Many intelligence reports in war are contradictory; even more are false, and most are uncertain.

Boldness governed by superior intellect is the mark of a hero.

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.

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

Modern wars are seldom fought without hatred between nations; this serves more or less as a substitute for hatred between individuals.

The more a leader is in the habit of demanding from his men, the surer he will be that his demands will be answered.

War is not an exercise of the will directed at an inanimate matter.