If we then ask what sort of mind is likeliest to display the qualities of military genius, experience and observation will both tell us that it is th… - Carl von Clausewitz

If the wars of civilised people are less cruel and destructive than those of savages, the difference arises from the social condition both of states in themselves and in their relations to each other. Out of this social condition and its relations war arises, and by it war is subjected to conditions, is controlled and modified. But these things do not belong to war itself; they are only given conditions; and to introduce into the philosophy of war itself a principle of moderation would be an absurdity.

For political and social as well as for military reasons the preferred way of bringing about victory was the shortest, most direct way, and that meant using all possible force.

The worst of all conditions in which a belligerent can find himself is to be utterly defenseless.