Karl Von Clausewitz Quotes

A collection of quotes by Karl Von Clausewitz.

Karl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) was a renowned Prussian general and military strategist. Born in Burg bei Magdeburg, Prussia, he possessed a brilliant mind that would shape the way war was understood and studied. Clausewitz joined the Prussian Army at a young age and quickly displayed his talent for military tactics and leadership.

A pivotal point in Clausewitz's career came during the Napoleonic Wars, where he served in various campaigns against French forces. His experience in these conflicts, particularly his involvement in the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt in 1806, deeply influenced his military and strategic thinking.

However, Clausewitz's most significant contribution to military theory came in the form of his book "On War," published posthumously in 1832. This influential work delved into the complex nature of warfare, exploring its political, social, and psychological aspects. Clausewitz argued that war is an extension of politics and emphasized the importance of strategy, suggesting that military action should always serve political objectives.

Today, Clausewitz's ideas continue to have a profound impact on military theory and strategy. The concept of the "fog of war," which refers to the uncertainties and unpredictability of battle, is one of his most enduring legacies. His work has shaped the thinking of military leaders and scholars across the globe, cementing him as one of the most influential military theorists in history.

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

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

Karl Von Clausewitz


War is the province of danger.

War is the province of danger.

Karl Von Clausewitz


A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

A conqueror is always a lover of peace.

Karl Von Clausewitz


War is the continuation of politics by other means.

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

Karl Von Clausewitz


It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate un

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

Time

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state pol

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

War

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

War is the domain of physical exertion and suffering.

Karl Von Clausewitz

War

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of politics

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of politics by other means.

Karl Von Clausewitz

War

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

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

War

War is not an independent phenomenon, but the continuation o

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

Politics

Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, e

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

Courage

The first and most important rule to observe...is to use our

The first and most important rule to observe...is to use our entire forces with the utmost energy. The second rule is to concentrate our power as much as possible against that section where the chief blows are to be delivered and to incur disadvantages elsewhere, so that our chances of success may increase at the decisive point. The third rule is never to waste time. Unless important advantages are to be gained from hesitation, it is necessary to set to work at once. By this speed a hundred enemy measures are nipped in the bud, and public opinion is won most rapidly. Finally, the fourth rule is to follow up our successes with the utmost energy. Only pursuit of the beaten enemy gives the fruits of victory.

Karl Von Clausewitz

War

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

To secure peace is to prepare for war.

Karl Von Clausewitz

Peace

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

Politics is the womb in which war develops.

Karl Von Clausewitz

Politics

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

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

Courage

War is not merely a political act but a real political instr

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

War

I shall proceed from the simple to the complex. But in war m

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

War

Many intelligence reports in war are contradictory even more

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

Intelligence

If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues

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

Strength

Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certaint

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

Karl Von Clausewitz

Mystery