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Helmuth von Moltke the Elder Quotes

1800–1891 Germany

Germany
Academics
Historians
Military leaders
Non-fiction authors

Also known as: General Helmuth von Moltke, Helmuth von Moltke

Random Helmuth von Moltke the Elder quote

4 quotes

Strategy is a system of expedients; it is more than a mere scholarly discipline. It is the translation of knowledge to practical life, the improvement of the original leading thought in accordance with continually changing situations.

On Strategy (1871)

We may add that the Poland of the fifteenth century was one of the most civilised states of Europe.

The tactical result of an engagement forms the base for new strategic decisions because victory or defeat in a battle changes the situation to such a degree that no human acumen is able to see beyond the first battle.

Permanent peace is a dream and not even a beautiful one, and war is a law of God's order in the world, by which the noblest virtues of man, courage and self-denial, loyalty and self-sacrifice, even to the point of death, are developed. Without war the world would deteriorate into materialism.

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Helmuth von Moltke the Elder (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.