Clausewitz said "everything is very simple in War, but the simplest thing is difficult".
He explained: activity in War is movement in a resistant medium. Just as a person immersed in water is unable to perform the simplest movement, that of walking, so in War, with ordinary powers, one cannot achieve even mediocrity. This is why armchair theorists, who have never plunged in themselves, teach only what every one knows - how to walk.
There are many ways to one's object in War - complete subjugation of the enemy is not essential in every case. Frederick the Great was never strong enough to overthrow the Austrian monarchy. But his skilful husbanding of his resources showed his enemy, through a seven-year struggle, that their expenditure of strength far exceeded what they had anticipated, so that they made peace.
Disclosure - Like King Frederick the Great and Clausewitz, I have Prussian ancestry. If the UnHeard Of Islands are ever invaded, I may be called upon to organise the defences.
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15 January 2007 at 08:44
clausewitz - the simplest thing is difficult
Sources acknowledged.
Hotboy said...
Adolf! Heil! At last! This is more like the good stuff from the old days! Who's getting invaded next? The best means of defense is attack. I'll get the rowing boat out and be in the Unheard of Islands before you know it! Get the penguins assembled on the beach. Can you teach them how to quack the Horst Wessell(?) Lieb. I'll need to paint on a few duelling scars now. Junkers, Junkers R US. Bound to help! Hotboy
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zomba said...
I say!
Cracking post. The UnHeard of's Home Guard, eh? Has anyone drilled for oil offshore yet, or is the mainstay of the economy penguin beer?
In Kalimbuka, Armed Response is enough. Its a long time since these parts were invaded.
MM III
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Lee Ann said...
You have Prussian ancestry? Wow, that is neat!
Hope you are doing good!
~xo
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onan the bavarian said...
MM - thanks for the comparison to Captain Mainwaring.
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Polyman3 said...
Let's organize.
We need a new stratagy.
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