Carl von Clausewitz

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Concentration of force

  “The best Strategy is _always to be very strong_, first generally then at the decisive point.”

  Our noteClausewitz explains the fundamental law of strategic strength and focus.

• Expanding success

  “what can be looked upon in tactics as an excess of power, must be regarded in Strategy as a means to give expansion to success”

  Our noteHe explains that 'extra' resources in strategy aren't wasteful but are tools to capitalize on opportunities.

• The Necessity of Aggression

  “One of the parties must of necessity be assumed politically to be the aggressor, because no War could take place from defensive intentions on both sides.”

  Our noteHe notes that conflict requires at least one party to have a positive, proactive goal.

• Leadership tact

  “That a Commander should thoroughly understand these states, that he should have the tact to act in the spirit of them, we hold to be a great requisite”

  Our noteClausewitz emphasizes the necessity for leaders to recognize whether they are in a state of tension or rest.

• Importance of Success

  “the tactical successes_ are of paramount importance in the conduct of War.”

  Our noteExplaining that high-level strategy must be built on solid, practical execution.

• Risk of Complexity

  “every carefully combined attack requires time for its preparation, and if a counter-stroke by the enemy intervenes, our whole design may be upset.”

  Our noteWarning against overly complex plans that are vulnerable to disruption.

• Universal combat goals

  “In this effort we see, therefore, the first immediate purpose in the combat, and one which is quite universal.”

  Our noteHe identifies securing one's own retreat while cutting off the enemy's as a fundamental goal.

• Evidence of victory

  “Of the loss in moral forces there is no reliable measure, except in the trophies: therefore, in many cases, the giving up the contest is the only real evidence of the victory.”

  Our noteHe argues that an opponent's withdrawal is often the only clear sign that you have won.

• Crisis and Opportunity

  “The more our forces have suffered, the more the enemy will have expended on his side; the greater, therefore, will be the crisis for the enemy”

  Our noteHe describes how a losing battle can be turned into a foundation for a greater victory.

• Attrition and exhaustion

  “the course of the battle a mutual slow wearing away of these forces upon one another, to see which will have soonest exhausted his adversary.”

  Our noteDescribing modern conflict as a test of who can endure longer while depleting the other.

• Purpose of action

  “The great battle takes place for the sake of itself, for the sake of the victory which it is to give”

  Our noteMajor efforts are concentrated points where all strategic threads converge for a single result.