Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

Most popular Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

War is the continuation of politics by other means. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
War is the continuation of politics by other means.
— Carl von Clausewitz On War

war

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.
— Carl von Clausewitz
Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination.
— Carl von Clausewitz On War

war goals determination

To be practical, any plan must take account of the enemy's power to frustrate it. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
To be practical, any plan must take account of the enemy's power to frustrate it.
— Carl von Clausewitz On War

planning

Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
— Carl von Clausewitz On War

uncertainty intellect certainty clarity

Strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
Strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one's balance in spite of them.
— Carl von Clausewitz

character

Politics is the womb in which war develops—where its outlines already exist in their hidden rudimentary form, like the characteristics of living creatures in their embryos. - Carl von Clausewitz quote.
Politics is the womb in which war develops—where its outlines already exist in their hidden rudimentary form, like the characteristics of living creatures in their embryos.
— Carl von Clausewitz On War

politics