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
Any complex activity, if it is to be carried on with any degree of virtuosity, calls for appropriate gifts of intellect and temperament. If they are outstanding and reveal themselves in exceptional achievements, their possessor is called a 'genius'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mastery in a complex activity requires both intellectual ability and the right temperament, which can define a genius.
Carl Von Clausewitz's quote emphasizes that engaging in complex activities successfully demands not only intelligence but also the right emotional and temperamental qualities. When these attributes are particularly exceptional, individuals may be recognized as geniuses, highlighting the interplay between innate abilities and personal characteristics in achieving greatness.
Themes
GeniusIntellectTemperamentAchievementMastery
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing excellence in one's career, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of both talent and character.
More from Carl Von Clausewitz
All quotes →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.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
But the main point is that soldiers, after fighting for some time, are apt to be like burned-out cinders. They have shot off their ammunition, their numbers have been diminished, their strength and their morale are drained, and possibly their courage has vanished as well. As an organic whole, quite apart from their loss in numbers, they are far from being what they were before the action; and thus the amount of reserves spent is an accurate measure on the loss of morale.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more he can depend on their response.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
If the enemy is to be coerced, you must put him in a situation that is even more unpleasant than the sacrifice you call on him to make. The hardships of the situation must not be merely transient - at least not in appearance. Otherwise, the enemy would not give in, but would wait for things to improve.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
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