We must evaluate the political sympathies of other states and the effect war may have on them. To assess these things in all their ramifications and diversity is plainly a colossal task. Rapid and correct appraisal of them clearly calls for the intuition of a genius; to master all this complex mass by sheer methodical examination is obviously impossible. Bonaparte was quite right when he said that Newton himself would quail before the algebraic problems it could pose.

War is only caused through the political intercourse of governments and nations - war is nothing but a continuation of political intercourse with an admixture of other means.

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

...as man under pressure tends to give in to physical and intellectual weakness, only great strength of will can lead to the objective.

Savage peoples are ruled by passion, civilized peoples by the mind.

Self-reliance is the best defence against the pressures of the moment.

War is an act of violence pushed to its utmost bounds.