209 Quotes by Carl von Clausewitz

As each man's strength gives out, as it no longer responds to his will, the inertia of the whole gradually comes to rest on the commander's will alone. The ardor of his spirit must rekindle the flame of purpose in all others; his inward fire must revive their hope.

Intelligence alone is not courage, we often see that the most intelligent people are irresolute. Since in the rush of events a man is governed by feelings rather than by thought, the intellect needs to arouse the quality of courage, which then supports and sustains it in action.

Just as some plants bear fruit only if they don't shoot up too high, so in practical arts the leaves and flowers of theory must be pruned and the plant kept close to its proper soil- experience.

In the whole range of human activities, war most closely resembles a game of cards.

Everything in strategy is very simple, but that does not mean everything is very easy.

Four elements make up the climate of war: danger, exertion, uncertainty and chance.

The art of war in its highest point of view is policy.

Boldness will be at a disadvantage only in an encounter with deliberate caution, which may be considered bold in its own right, and is certainly just as powerful and effective; but such cases are rare.

Boldness becomes rarer, the higher the rank.