1780–1831
Carl von Clausewitz
Prussian general and military theorist who fought in the Napoleonic wars. His unfinished On War is still the classic study of strategy, friction and the will.
Every line we carry
Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.
- Everything is simple. The simplest thing is difficult.
On paper every plan is easy. In practice a thousand small frictions, lame horses, bad roads and rain, slow everything down. Expect friction in any real undertaking and leave room for it.
On War, Book I, ch. 7, Friction in War, J. J. Graham, 1873 (revised by F. N. Maude, 1908)
- When boldness meets hesitation, the odds favor boldness.
Hesitation means someone has already lost their balance. A decisive move against a wavering opponent usually wins. When the other side is unsure, that is the moment to act.
On War, Book III, ch. 6, Boldness, J. J. Graham, 1873 (revised by F. N. Maude, 1908)
- Most prudent men are prudent from timidity.
Caution often passes for wisdom when it is really fear. Clausewitz asks you to be honest about which it is. Before you call yourself careful, check whether you are simply afraid.
On War, Book III, ch. 6, Boldness, J. J. Graham, 1873 (revised by F. N. Maude, 1908)
- The best strategy: always be very strong.
Clever tricks matter less than having real strength, first overall and then at the decisive point. Keep your forces together instead of scattering them. Build capacity before you need it, then concentrate it where it counts.
On War, Book III, ch. 11, Assembly of Forces in Space, J. J. Graham, 1873 (revised by F. N. Maude, 1908)
- Stand as the rock stands against the beating waves.
A commander is flooded with rumours, mistakes and bad news, most of it discouraging. Courage and steady character let him hold the plan like a rock in surf. When everything around you churns, hold your course.
On War, Book III, ch. 7, Perseverance, J. J. Graham, 1873 (revised by F. N. Maude, 1908)