Carl Von Clausewitz Quotes

Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased. The reason of this is, that we do not gain all our experience at once, but by degrees; so our determinations continue to be assailed incessantly by fresh experience; and the mind, if we may use the expression, must always be under arms.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

We maintain, on the contrary, that war is simply a continuation of political intercourse, with the addition of other means. We deliberately use the phrase “with the addition of other means” because we also want to make it clear that war in itself does not suspend political intercourse or change it into something entirely different. In essentials that intercourse continues, irrespective of the means it employs.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

We propose to consider first the single elements of our subject, then each branch of part, and, last of all, the whole in all its relations-therefore to advance from the simple to the complex. But it is necessary for us to commence with a glance at the nature of the whole, because it is particularly necessary that in the consideration of any of the parts their relation to the whole be kept constantly in view.We shall not enter into any of the abstruse definitions of War used by publicists. We shall keep to the element of the thing itself, to a duel. War is nothing but a duel on an extensive scale. If we would conceive as a unit the countless number of duels which make up a War, we shall do so best by supposing to ourselves two wrestlers. Each strives by physical force to compel the other to submit to his will: each endeavors to throw his adversary, and thus render him incapable of further resistance.War therefore is an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Many intelligence reports in war are contradictory; even more are false, and most are uncertain.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

War is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation of politics by different means.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Everything in war is very simple. But the simplest thing is difficult.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

War is not merely a political act but a real political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse, a carrying out of the same by other means.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

The political object is the goal, war is the means of reaching it, and the means can never be considered in isolation from their purposes.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

War is the province of danger.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state policy with other means.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

~ Carl Von Clausewitz