Lastly, the great uncertainty of all data in War is a peculiar difficulty, because all action must, to a certain extent, be planned in a mere twilight, which in addition not unfrequently — like the effect of a fog or moonshine — gives to things exaggerated dimensions and an unnatural appearance.

The bloody solution of the crisis, the effort for the destruction of the enemy's forces, is the first-born son of war.

The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more he can depend on their response.

Of all the passions that inspire a man in a battle, none, we have to admit, is so powerful and so constant as the longing for honor and reknown.

No campaign plan survives first contact with the enemy

There are very few men-and they are the exceptions-who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment

War is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation of politics by different means.