In war, where imperfect intelligence, the threat of a catastrophe, and the number of accidents are incomparably greater than any other human endeavor, the amount of missed opportunities, so to speak, is therefore bound to be greater.

Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.

In war, while everything is simple, even the simplest thing is difficult. Difficulties accumulate and produce frictions which no one can comprehend who has not seen war.

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

Four elements make up the climate of war: danger, exertion, uncertainty and chance.

We repeat again: strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one’s balance in spite of them. Even with the violence of emotion, judgment and principle must still function like a ship’s compass, which records the slightest variations however rough the sea.

The best form of defense is attack.