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

War should never be thought of as something autonomous, but always as an instrument of policy.

There is only one decisive victory: the last.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

What do we mean by the defeat of the enemy? Simply the destruction of his forces, whether by death, injury, or any other means-either completely or enough to make him stop fighting. . . . The complete or partial destruction of the enemy must be regarded as the sole object of all engagements. . . . Direct annihilation of the enemy's forces must always be the dominant consideration.

War is an act of violence pushed to its utmost bounds.

The Conqueror is always a lover of peace: he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.