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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Soldiers can become exhausted and demoralized after prolonged fighting.
This quote by Carl Von Clausewitz reflects on the psychological and physical toll warfare takes on soldiers. He describes how, after enduring combat, soldiers may feel depleted not only in numbers but also in their spirit and resolve, indicating that the losses they face impact their overall morale and effectiveness, making them less capable of performing as they once did.
Themes
SoldiersMoraleCombatExhaustionCourage
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on military strategy, one could reference this quote to discuss the importance of soldier welfare.
More from Carl Von Clausewitz
All quotes βThe 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.
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Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.
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The more a general is accustomed to place heavy demands on his soldiers, the more he can depend on their response.
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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
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.
Carl Von ClausewitzRead
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