War is the province of chance. In no sphere of human activity is such a margin to be left for this intruder. It increases the uncertainty of every circumstance, and deranges the course of events.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
The object of defense is preservation; and since it is easier to hold ground than to take it, defense is easier than attack. But defense has a passive purpose: preservation; and attack a positive one: conquest.... If defense is the stronger form of war, yet has a negative object, it follows that it should be used only so long as weakness compels, and be abandoned as soon as we are strong enough to pursue a positive object.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Defense focuses on preservation, while attack aims for conquest; the former is easier yet passive.
This quote by Carl Von Clausewitz emphasizes the strategic differences between defense and attack in warfare. He argues that while defense is essential for preservation and may be easier due to the advantage of holding ground, it is ultimately passive in nature. In contrast, attack is active and aimed at conquest, making it a positive objective. Therefore, defense should only be a temporary strategy, employed when circumstances require it, while one should seek to transition to a more assertive approach as strength increases.
Themes
DefenseAttackPreservationStrategyWarfare
In practice
Example use cases
A military strategist might use this quote to explain the importance of choosing the right moment to shift from defense to attack.
More from Carl Von Clausewitz
All quotes →Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
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In war, while everything is simple, even the simplest thing is difficult. Difficulties accumulate and produce frictions which no one can comprehend who has not seen war.
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