Strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them.

Criticism exists only to recognize the truth, not to act as judge.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.

In the whole range of human activities, war most closely resembles a game of cards.

In war more than anywhere else, things do not turn out as we expect.

[...] to introduce into the philosophy of war itself a principle of moderation would be an absurdity