Only the element of chance is needed to make war a gamble, and that element is never absent.

Timidity is the root of prudence in the majority of men.

Friction is the only concept that more or less corresponds to the factors that distinguish real war from war on paper.

A general in time of war is constantly bombarded by reports both true and false; by errors arising from fear or negligence or hastiness; by disobedience born of right or wrong interpretations, of ill will; of a proper or mistaken sense of duty; of laziness; or of exhaustion; and by accident that nobody could have foreseen. In short, he is exposed to countless impressions, most of them disturbing, few of them encouraging. ... If a man were to yield to these pressures, he would never complete an operation.

There are very few men-and they are the exceptions-who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment

There are cases in which the greatest daring is the greatest wisdom.

A prince or general can best demonstrate his genius by managing a campaign exactly to suit his objectives and his resources, doing neither too much nor too little.