Top 7 Quotes by Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

No plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact with the main hostile force.

No plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact with the main hostile force.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Firsts, Force, Operations

"Moltke on the Art of War: Selected Writings" by Daniel J. Hughes and Harry Bell, (p. 92), 1993.

The surest way of achieving your goal is through the single-minded pursuit of simple actions.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Simple, Goal, Way

In the last analysis, luck comes only to the well prepared.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Luck, Lasts, Analysis

Strategy is a system of makeshifts. Is is more than a science. It is bringing knowledge to bear on practical life, the further elaboration of an original guiding idea under constantly changing circumstances. It is the art of acting under the pressure of the most demanding conditions...That is why general principles, rules derived from them, and systems based on these rules cannot possibly have any value for strategy.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Life, Art, Science

Eternal peace is a dream - and not even a beautiful one.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Beautiful, Dream, Eternal

The Jews form a state, and, obeying their own laws, they evade those of their host country. the Jews always considered an oath regarding a Christian not binding. During the Campaign of 1812 the Jews were spies, they were paid by both sides, they betrayed both sides. It is seldom that the police investigate a robbery in which a Jew is not found either to be an accomplice or a receiver.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Christian, Country, Law