Karl Von Clausewitz quotes

Karl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) was a renowned Prussian military strategist and philosopher. With his masterpiece "On War," he revolutionized military thinking. Clausewitz emphasized the importance of understanding the political context and the fog of war. His insights on strategy, tactics, and the nature of warfare remain influential in contemporary military education. This bio provides an overview of Karl von Clausewitz's life, work, and contributions. Explore more about this influential military theorist here!

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more he can depend on their response.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

I shall proceed from the simple to the complex. But in war more than in any other subject we must begin by looking at the nature of the whole; for here more than elsewhere the part and the whole must always be thought of together.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

Principles and rules are intended to provide a thinking man with a frame of reference.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

- Karl 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.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

- Karl 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.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

War is the province of danger.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl Von Clausewitz

All action takes place, so to speak, in a kind of twilight, which like a fog or moonlight, often tends to make things seem grotesque and larger than they really are.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

War is not an exercise of the will directed at an inanimate matter.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

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

- Karl 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.

- Karl Von Clausewitz

It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time of action is past.

- Karl Von Clausewitz