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But if the assailant, without troubling himself about the existence of the Army awaiting his attack in a defensive position, advances with his main body by another line in pursuit of his object, then he 'passes by the position,' and if he can do this with impunity, and really does it, he will immediately enforce the abandonment of the position, consequently put an end to its usefulness.

— Carl von Clausewitz On War (1832)

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More quotes by Carl von Clausewitz

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)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Carl von Clausewitz (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.