Carl von Clausewitz
Carl von Clausewitz
Carl Philipp Gottfriedvon Clausewitz was a Prussian general and military theorist who stressed the "moral"and political aspects of war. His most notable work, Vom Kriege, was unfinished at his death. Clausewitz was a realist in many different senses and, while in some respects a romantic, also drew heavily on the rationalist ideas of the European Enlightenment...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionSoldier
Date of Birth1 June 1780
CountryGermany
peace war womb
Politics is the womb in which war develops.
war mean politics
War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state policy with other means.
passion mind savages
Savage peoples are ruled by passion, civilized peoples by the mind.
military victory lasts
There is only one decisive victory: the last.
leadership military ambition
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.
war simple doe
Knowledge in war is very simple, being concerned with so few subjects, and only with their final results at that. But this does not make its application easy.
war continuation
War is merely a continuation of politics,
war twilight data
The great uncertainty of all data in war is because all action, to a certain extent, planned in a mere twilight - like the effect of a fog - gives things exaggerated dimensions and unnatural appearance.
clarity absolute-certainty intellect
Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
witty powerful humorous
The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.
strong military enemy
If you entrench yourself behind strong fortifications, you compel the enemy seek a solution elsewhere.
war age peculiar
Every age has its own kind of war, its own limiting conditions and its own peculiar preconceptions.
peace real war
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.
enemy victory movement
To achieve victory we must mass our forces at the hub of all power & movement. The enemy's 'Center of Gravity'