Carl von Clausewitz

If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, 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.

Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased. The reason of this is, that we do not gain all our experience at once, but by degrees; so our determinations continue to be assailed incessantly by fresh experience; and the mind, if we may use the expression, must always be under arms.

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 is merely the continuation of politics by other means

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

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

Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.

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

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.

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

War is the province of danger.

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

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

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.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

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

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