...only the element of chance is needed to make war a gamble, and that element is never absent. - Carl von Clausewitz

The invention of gunpowder and the constant improvement of firearms are enough in themselves to show that the advance of civilization has done nothing practical to alter or deflect the impulse to destroy the enemy, which is central to the very idea of war.

history had no lessons or rules to offer the student, it could only broaden his understanding and strengthen his critical judgment.

The Statesman who, knowing his instrument to be ready, and seeing War inevitable, hesitates to strike first is guilty of a crime against his country.