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If defense is the stronger form of war, yet has a negative object, it follows that it should be used only so long as weakness compels, and be abandoned as soon as we are strong enough to pursue a positive object.

— 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)

All Carl von Clausewitz quotes →

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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.