Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

war

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

war goals determination

To be practical, any plan must take account of the enemy's power to frustrate it.

planning

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

uncertainty intellect certainty clarity

Strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them.

character

Politics is the womb in which war develops—where its outlines already exist in their hidden rudimentary form, like the characteristics of living creatures in their embryos.

politics