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Carl von Clausewitz

Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

Military Historian

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Famous Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

“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. 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.”

GivingFirstsMayImportantUseEnergyForceChanceEnemyVictoryWasteThirdsIncreaseFruitBlowPursuitChiefsWasting TimeElsewhereFourthBeatenSectionsDisadvantagesFollow Up
Author:Carl von Clausewitz
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“In 1793 such a force as no one had any conception of made its appearance. War had again suddenly become an affair of the people, and that of a people numbering thirty millions, every one of whom regarded himself as a citizen of the State... By this participation of the people in the war... a whole Nation with its natural weight came into the scale.”

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Author:Carl von Clausewitz
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“What do we mean by the defeat of the enemy? Simply the destruction of his forces, whether by death, injury, or any other means-either completely or enough to make him stop fighting. . . . The complete or partial destruction of the enemy must be regarded as the sole object of all engagements. . . . Direct annihilation of the enemy's forces must always be the dominant consideration.”

MeanEnoughFightingForceEnemyObjectsDirectDestructionDefeatInjuryConsiderationEngagementSoleDominantAnnihilation
Book:On War
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