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Carl von Clausewitz Quotes
1780–1831 Germany
Carl von Clausewitz (1 June 1780 – 16 November 1831) was a Prussian general and influential military theorist. He is most famous for his military treatise Vom Kriege, translated into English as On War.
Germany Military leaders Non-fiction authors Philosophers Also known as: Clausewitz, Carl von, Clausewitz, Karl von, Karl von Clausewitz, On War
Random Carl von Clausewitz quote
61 quotes
Every suspension of offensive action, either from erroneous views, from fear or from indolence, is in favor of the side acting defensively.
On War (1832)
War is such a dangerous business that mistakes that come from kindness are the very worst.
On War (1832)
The Conqueror is always a lover of peace: he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.
On War (1832)
To introduce into the philosophy of War itself a principle of moderation would be an absurdity.
On War (1832)
A general who allows himself to be decisively defeated in an extended mountain position deserves to be court-martialled.
On War (1832)
War is an act of violence pushed to its utmost bounds.
On War (1832)
War therefore is an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfil our will.
On War (1832)
Kind-hearted people might of course think there was some ingenious way to disarm or defeat the enemy without too much bloodshed, and might imagine this is the true goal of the art of war.
On War (1832)
War is very simple, but in War the simplest things become very difficult.
War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state policy with other means.
What is the object of defense? To preserve. To preserve is easier than to acquire.
On War (1832)
Phillipsburg was the name of one of those badly drawn fortresses resembling a fool with his nose too close to the wall.
On War (1832)
Men are always more inclined to pitch their estimate of the enemy's strength too high than too low, such is human nature.
On War (1832)
War is not merely an act of policy but a true political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse carried on with other means.
Knowledge must be so absorbed into the mind that it ceases to exist in a separate, objective way.
On War (1832)
Great things alone can make a great mind, and petty things will make a petty mind unless a man rejects them as completely alien.
On War (1832)
War is not merely a political act but a real political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse, a carrying out of the same by other means.
Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
On War (1832)
The state of crisis is the real war; the equilibrium is nothing but its reflex.
On War (1832)
Everything in war is simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.
On War (1832)
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