War is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation of politics by different means.
Carl von ClausewitzThe more a leader is in the habit of demanding from his men, the surer he will be that his demands will be answered.
Carl von ClausewitzAction in war is like movement in a resistant element. Just as the simplest and most natural of movements, walking, cannot easily be performed in water, so in war, it is difficult for normal efforts to achieve even moderate results.
Carl von ClausewitzEverything in war is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult. The difficulties accumulate and end by producing a kind of friction that is inconceivable unless one has experienced war. ... Countless minor incidents - the kind you can never really foresee - combine to lower the general level of performance, so that one always falls short of the intended goal.
Carl von Clausewitz