As the forces in one man after another become prostrated and can no longer be supported by an effort of this own will, the whole inertia of the mass … - Carl von Clausewitz

peace is maintained by the equilibrium of forces, and will continue just as long as this equilibrium exists, and no longer.

The political object is the goal, war is the means of reaching it, and means can never be considered in isolation from their purpose

We propose to consider first the single elements of our subject, then each branch of part, and, last of all, the whole in all its relations-therefore to advance from the simple to the complex. But it is necessary for us to commence with a glance at the nature of the whole, because it is particularly necessary that in the consideration of any of the parts their relation to the whole be kept constantly in view.

We shall not enter into any of the abstruse definitions of War used by publicists. We shall keep to the element of the thing itself, to a duel. War is nothing but a duel on an extensive scale. If we would conceive as a unit the countless number of duels which make up a War, we shall do so best by supposing to ourselves two wrestlers. Each strives by physical force to compel the other to submit to his will: each endeavors to throw his adversary, and thus render him incapable of further resistance.

War therefore is an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will.