To introduce into the philosophy of war a principle of moderation would be an absurdity - war is an act of violence pushed to its utmost bounds.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Moderation has no place in war since it is violence pushed to extremes.
- In plain terms
- War is extreme violence not limited by moderation.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect maximum intensity in conflict.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where is violence absolute?
- Is moderation ever possible in war?
Another view
Some conflicts are limited by design or constraint.
More from Karl von Clausewitz
Theory should be study, not doctrine.
Permalink to quote #59 War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.
Permalink to quote #61 The Conqueror is always a lover of peace: he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.
Permalink to quote #58
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