While there are many causes for which a state goes to war, its fundamental object can be epitomized as that of ensuring the continuance of its policy - in face of the determination of the opposing state to pursue a contrary policy. In the human will lies the source and mainspring of conflict.

The only thing harder than getting a new idea into the military mind is to get an old one out.

To ensure attaining an objective, one should have alternate objectives. An attack that converges on one point should threaten, and be able to diverge against another. Only by this flexibility of aim can strategy be attuned to the uncertainty of war.

To foster the people's willing spirit is often as important as to possess the more concrete forms of power.

The unexpected cannot guarantee success, but it guarantees the best chance of success.

A modern state is such a complex and interdependent fabric that it offers a target highly sensitive to a sudden and overwhelming blow from the air.

With growing experience, all skillful commanders sought to profit by the power of the defensive, even when on the offensive.