Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

There are times when the utmost daring is the height of wisdom.

Carl von Clausewitz

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

Carl von Clausewitz

All war presupposes human weakness and seeks to exploit it.

Carl von Clausewitz

Beauty cannot be defined by abscissas and ordinates; neither are circles and ellipses created by their geometrical formulas.

Carl von Clausewitz

...as man under pressure tends to give in to physical and intellectual weakness, only great strength of will can lead to the objective.

Carl von Clausewitz

Boldness governed by superior intellect is the mark of a hero.

Carl von Clausewitz

What we should admire is the acute fulfillment of the unspoken assumptions, the smooth harmony of the whole activity, which only become evident in the final success.

Carl von Clausewitz

...talent and genius operate outside the rules, and theory conflicts with practice.

Carl von Clausewitz

...self-reliance is the best defence against the pressures of the moment.

Carl von Clausewitz

The state of crisis is the real war; the equilibrium is nothing but its reflex.

Carl von Clausewitz

Timidity is the root of prudence in the majority of men.

Carl von Clausewitz

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.

Carl von Clausewitz

Great things alone can make a great mind, and petty things will make a petty mind unless a man rejects them as completely alien.

Carl von Clausewitz

Everything in war is simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.

Carl von Clausewitz

Of all the passions that inspire a man in a battle, none, we have to admit, is so powerful and so constant as the longing for honor and reknown.

Carl von Clausewitz
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