Strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them.
Carl von ClausewitzWar is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation of politics by different means.
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 ClausewitzThere are very few men-and they are the exceptions-who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment
Carl von ClausewitzIn 1793 such a force as no one had any conception of made its appearance. War had again suddenly become an affair of the people, and that of a people numbering thirty millions, every one of whom regarded himself as a citizen of the State... By this participation of the people in the war... a whole Nation with its natural weight came into the scale.
Carl von Clausewitz