It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.

It's better for one to die than for all of us to be killed in a shooting affray. Anyway, we've practically no ammunition.

In view of my services in Africa, I have the chance of dying by poison. Two generals have brought it with them. It is fatal in three seconds. If I take the poison, none of the usual steps will be taken against my family; that is, against you. They will also leave my staff alone.

Manstein is a man of illusions. ... He believes Hitler will listen to facts.

A risk is a chance you take; if it fails you can recover. A gamble is a chance taken; if it fails, recovery is impossible.

When there's no clear option, it's better to do nothing.

I would rather be the hammer than the anvil