Friction is the only concept that more or less corresponds to the factors that distinguish real war from war on paper.
Carl von ClausewitzWhere execution is dominant, as it is in the individual events of a war whether great or small, then intellectual factors are reduced to a minimum.
Carl von ClausewitzAlthough our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
Carl von ClausewitzPolitics is the womb in which war develops - where its outlines already exist in their hidden rudimentary form, like the characteristics of living creatures in their embryos.
Carl von ClausewitzWhat 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.
Carl von Clausewitz