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War is a biological necessity of the first importance, a regulative element in the life of mankind which cannot be dispensed with. ... But it is not only a biological law but a moral obligation and, as such, an indispensable factor in civilization.

— Friedrich von Bernhardi Germany and the Next War (1911)

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More quotes by Friedrich von Bernhardi

Political morality differs from individual morality, because there is no power above the state.

The inevitableness, the idealism, and the blessing of war, as an indispensable and stimulating law of development, must be repeatedly emphasized.

Germany and the Next War (1911)

Our next war will be fought for the highest interests of our country and of mankind. This will invest it with importance in the world's history. "World power or downfall" will be our rallying cry.

Germany and the Next War (1911)

We Germans have a far greater and more urgent duty towards civilization to perform than the Great Asiatic Power. We, like the Japanese, can only fulfil it by the sword.

Germany and the Next War (1911)

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