War is a conflict of great interests which is settled by bloodshed, and only in that is it different from others.
Carl von ClausewitzTo discover how much of our resources must be mobilized for war, we must first examine our political aim and that of the enemy. We must gauge the strength and situation of the opposite state. We must gauge the character and abilities of its government and people and do the same in regard to our own. Finally, we must evaluate the political sympathies of other states and the effect the war may have on them.
Carl von ClausewitzThe political object is the goal, war is the means of reaching it, and the means can never be considered in isolation form their purposes.
Carl von ClausewitzIt is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time of action is past.
Carl von ClausewitzWe repeat again: strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining oneโs balance in spite of them. Even with the violence of emotion, judgment and principle must still function like a shipโs compass, which records the slightest variations however rough the sea.
Carl von ClausewitzOur knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased. The reason of this is, that we do not gain all our experience at once, but by degrees; so our determinations continue to be assailed incessantly by fresh experience; and the mind, if we may use the expression, must always be under arms.
Carl von Clausewitz