No campaign plan survives first contact with the enemy

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.

Whenever armed forces . . . are used, the idea of combat must be present. . . . The end for which a soldier is recruited, clothed, armed, and trained, the whole object of his sleeping, eating, drinking, and marching is simply that he should fight at the right place and the right time.

War therefore is an act of violence to compel our opponent to fulfill our will.

A certain grasp of military affairs is vital for those in charge of general policy.

The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more he can depend on their response.

Talent and genius operate outside the rules, and theory conflicts with practice.