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Carl von Clausewitz

Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

Military Historian

Carl von Clausewitz, born on July 1, 1780, and died on November 16, 1831, was a Prussian military theorist and historian. He is considered one of the founders of modern military theory. Clausewitz's most famous work, 'On War,' has had a profound impact on military strategy and warfare theory to this day.

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All War Military Enemy Ifs Men Mean May Action Force Humans Whole Activity Chance Firsts Uncertainty Art Giving Intellect Kind Mind

Famous Carl von Clausewitz Quotes

“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.”

Light Truth Intellect Darkest Hour The Way

Book:On War: Volume 1

Source: On War: Volume 1

“Intelligence alone is not courage, we often see that the most intelligent people are irresolute. Since in the rush of events a man is governed by feelings rather than by thought, the intellect needs to arouse the quality of courage, which then supports and sustains it in action.”

People Men Needs Feelings Action Quality Support Events Intelligent Intellect

Book:On War

Source: On War

“Obstinacy is a fault of temperament. Stubbornness and intolerance of contradiction result from a special kind of egotism, which elevates above everything else the pleasure of its autonomous intellect, to which others must bow.”

Kind Pleasure Results Special Faults Intellect Contradiction Bows Intolerance Temperament Egotism Stubbornness Autonomous Obstinacy

Book:On War

Source: On War

“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.”

Inspirational Firsts May Two Light Hours Quality Courage Intellect Indispensable Inner Light Darkest Hour

Book:On War

Source: On War

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

Intellect Clarity Certainty Uncertainty Fascinating Absolute Certainty

Book:On War

Source: On War

“It should be noted that the seeds of wisdom that are to bear fruit in the intellect are sown less by critical studies and learned monographs than by insights, broad impressions, and flashes of intuition.”

Should Wisdom Study Bears Fruit Insight Intuition Critical Intellect Seeds Impression Broads Flash

Book:On War

Source: On War

“Boldness governed by superior intellect is the mark of a hero.”

Hero Mark Intellect Superiors Boldness

Book:On War

Source: On War

“Any complex activity, if it is to be carried on with any degree of virtuosity, calls for appropriate gifts of intellect and temperament. If they are outstanding and reveal themselves in exceptional achievements, their possessor is called a 'genius'.”

Ifs Genius Activity Degrees Achievement Complexes Intellect Appropriate Exceptional Temperament Outstanding Virtuosity

Book:On War

Source: On War

About the Author

Born: July 1, 1780
Died: November 16, 1831
Known for: Military Historian
Quotes: 168

Related Topics

War Military Enemy Ifs Men Mean May Action Force Humans Whole Activity Chance Firsts Uncertainty Art Giving Intellect Kind Mind

Popular Topics

People Ifs Thinking Knows Men World Way Want Love Life Inspirational Needs Giving Feels Should Writing Trying Years Mind Firsts

Books & Sources

On WarRelated source material

On War: Vom Kriege: fog of warRelated source material

Principles of WarRelated source material

On war: Translated from the German by O.J. Matthijs JollesRelated source material

Strategy Six PackRelated source material

Carl von Clausewitz: Historical and Political WritingsRelated source material

Essential On War for Business: The Classic Work by Carl von Clausewitz for Business TodayRelated source material

On Victory and Defeat: FromRelated source material

On War: Volume 1Related source material

Roots of Strategy: 3 Military ClassicsRelated source material

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