War is the province of chance. In no sphere of human activity is such a margin to be left for this intruder. It increases the uncertainty of every circumstance, and deranges the course of events.

Modern wars are seldom fought without hatred between nations; this serves more or less as a substitute for hatred between individuals.

As each man's strength gives out, as it no longer responds to his will, the inertia of the whole gradually comes to rest on the commander's will alone. The ardor of his spirit must rekindle the flame of purpose in all others; his inward fire must revive their hope.

War is merely a continuation of politics.

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

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

With uncertainty in one scale, courage and self-confidence should be thrown into the other to correct the balance. The greater they are, the greater the margin that can be left for accidents.