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Every suspension of offensive action, either from erroneous views, from fear or from indolence, is in favor of the side acting defensively.

— Carl von Clausewitz On War (1832)

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More quotes by Carl von Clausewitz

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)

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Attribution

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.