Every combat is the bloody and destructive measuring of the strength of forces, physical and moral; whoever at the close has the greatest amount of both left is the conqueror.
Carl von ClausewitzFour elements make up the climate of war: danger, exertion, uncertainty and chance.
Carl von ClausewitzStrength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them.
Carl von ClausewitzAny complex activity, if it is to be carried on with any degree of virtuosity, calls for appropriate gifts of intellect and temperament. If they are outstanding and reveal themselves in exceptional achievements, their possessor is called a 'genius'.
Carl von Clausewitz[The cause of inaction in war] ... is the imperfection of human perception and judgment which is more pronounced in war than anywhere else. We hardly know accurately our own situation at any particular moment while the enemy's, which is concealed from us, must be deduced from very little evidence.
Carl von Clausewitz