War is a conflict of great interests which is settled by bloodshed, and only in that is it different from others. - Carl von Clausewitz

Every suspension of offensive action, either from erroneous views, from fear or from indolence, is in favor of the side acting defensively.

It is, therefore, not only the physical, but more frequently the mental eye which is meant in coup d’œil. Naturally, the expression, like the thing, is always more in its place in the field of tactics: still, it must not be wanting in strategy, inasmuch as in it rapid decisions are often necessary. If we strip this conception of that which the expression has given it of the over-figurative and restricted, then it amounts simply to the rapid discovery of a truth which to the ordinary mind is either not visible at all or only becomes so after long examination and reflection.

Modern wars are seldom fought without hatred between nations; this serves more or less as a substitute for hatred between individuals.