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Scharnhorst
The Enlightened Soldier: Scharnhorst and the Militarische Gesellschaft in Berlin, 1801-1805
This volume explores the essence of German military professionalism as exemplified by the nineteenth century Prussian German Staff. The study focuses on the most important Prussian military reformer--Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst, who in 1801 founded the Militarische Gesellschaft (Military Society) in Berlin. The Gesellschaft became the focal point for the transformation of the Prussian army from a robotic war machine into a modern fighting force that was instrumental in defeating Napolean in 1813 and in 1815. The author examines the following elements of this military its membership; the specifics of its agenda; the intellect, imagination, and habits of thought, reflection, and objective analysis of its members; Scharnhorst's particular contributions.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published November 17, 1988
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November 23, 2018
Heavy-duty, well-researched, military history. Definitely not for everyone, but I agree with folks who consider this a must read for that unique collection of "enlightened" academics who focus their research and teaching on the art of war. Having said that, this historical vignette is much less of a how to guide or handy reference for planning an assault or defending valuable terrain ... and instead chronicles the transition from a feudal/royal monopoly over the arms-bearing "arts" to the more modern (dare I say, familiar?) profession of citizen soldiers, selected on merit, educated (not only in combat-related skills, but ... critical thinking and problem solving), led - in battle - by a meritocracy rather than the worst byproduct of a monarchy: ever-diminishing, arrogant, insular, ill-prepared, and closed-minded bloodlines.
As fascinating as this (admittedly small) slice of history is, one can excuse a cynic for deeming this historical nugget largely irrelevant today. Particularly in the U.S., the military officer corps are populated with a broad cross-section of the nation's youth, educated through service academies (at West Point, Annapolis, Colorado Springs, ... and, if you wish to be inclusive, Nassau) or innumerable public and private colleges and universities, through the services' reserve office training corps (or ROTC) programs. Subsequently, these officers, upon commissioning, attend extensive "Basic" classes (multi-month professional education immersions) and, throughout their careers, return to classrooms for (year-long ... or longer) "Advanced" courses, Command and General Staff College, War College, and the like. Read the biographies of today's military leaders, and, in addition to their undergraduate degrees, most have masters degrees, and many boast PhD's. We've come a long way from a military leadership dominated by royal offspring that not only rejected formal education but feared it as a risk to the status quo.
At another level, the book is interesting as a snapshot into the low point of the Prussian military (defeat and despair at the hands of Napoleon) and its subsequent rebirth, ascendance, and sustained dominance (only after turning the table on Napoleon). And, of course, it also serves as a biography of sorts of Scharnhorst, a fascinating character on a number of levels.
But the book's title fairly implies that, in addition to Scharnhorst, it was the assemblage of enlightened soldiers through the Militarische Gesellschaft or voluntary "military society" or "military Sorbonne," that upended the stagnant Prussian military and paved the way for a modern, effective, innovative military. This is pretty interesting stuff if you're interested in professional societies or professions, generally, or ... of course, the creation and evolution of academic or learned disciplines.
Full disclosure: the book was White's graduate student work - and, while it admirably achieved its purpose there, it isn't written in the style or with the fluidity of popular military history books, and its stated length is deceptive, given the extensive number of substantive footnotes, appendices, and the index. In other words, it's heavy going (maybe even a bit of a slog), but, frankly, it's a very slender volume (in terms of the total amount of reading involved, particularly given the return on investment).
As fascinating as this (admittedly small) slice of history is, one can excuse a cynic for deeming this historical nugget largely irrelevant today. Particularly in the U.S., the military officer corps are populated with a broad cross-section of the nation's youth, educated through service academies (at West Point, Annapolis, Colorado Springs, ... and, if you wish to be inclusive, Nassau) or innumerable public and private colleges and universities, through the services' reserve office training corps (or ROTC) programs. Subsequently, these officers, upon commissioning, attend extensive "Basic" classes (multi-month professional education immersions) and, throughout their careers, return to classrooms for (year-long ... or longer) "Advanced" courses, Command and General Staff College, War College, and the like. Read the biographies of today's military leaders, and, in addition to their undergraduate degrees, most have masters degrees, and many boast PhD's. We've come a long way from a military leadership dominated by royal offspring that not only rejected formal education but feared it as a risk to the status quo.
At another level, the book is interesting as a snapshot into the low point of the Prussian military (defeat and despair at the hands of Napoleon) and its subsequent rebirth, ascendance, and sustained dominance (only after turning the table on Napoleon). And, of course, it also serves as a biography of sorts of Scharnhorst, a fascinating character on a number of levels.
But the book's title fairly implies that, in addition to Scharnhorst, it was the assemblage of enlightened soldiers through the Militarische Gesellschaft or voluntary "military society" or "military Sorbonne," that upended the stagnant Prussian military and paved the way for a modern, effective, innovative military. This is pretty interesting stuff if you're interested in professional societies or professions, generally, or ... of course, the creation and evolution of academic or learned disciplines.
Full disclosure: the book was White's graduate student work - and, while it admirably achieved its purpose there, it isn't written in the style or with the fluidity of popular military history books, and its stated length is deceptive, given the extensive number of substantive footnotes, appendices, and the index. In other words, it's heavy going (maybe even a bit of a slog), but, frankly, it's a very slender volume (in terms of the total amount of reading involved, particularly given the return on investment).
June 18, 2021
One of the most impactful books I’ve read as an officer in the military. For me, I see a lot of parallels between the Prussian Officer corps in the early 1800s and the U.S. military officer corps of today. Scharnhorst understood at a very advanced level that the Prussian military and officer corps had to adapt, or continue to suffer humiliating defeats at the hands of Napoleon. Unsurprisingly the Prussian nobility, from their well secured positions of comfort, stood in his way when it came to modernization. The speed of change and rapid development/militarization of technology is forcing a similar necessity to adapt today. Only time will tell if we are able to adapt and achieve success on a similar level as the Prussian military. If nothing else, I think this book will force you to ask yourself the questions is the military evolving quick enough? and are we adequately educating/preparing officers for the future fight? Do we as a military, care about the right things? The things that will actually translate to victory on the battlefield.
February 25, 2026
Recently, I was chatting with someone about efforts to reform professional military education and refocus the American military's officer corps. As I pondered the question, "What problem are we trying to solve?" I reached back into the bookshelf and pulled out an old standard: Charles Edward White's 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘳: 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯, 1801-1805.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘳 offers a meticulously researched study of Prussia’s early military reform movement, which occurred in the wake of the upheavals brought on by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. At its heart is Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst, the central architect of Prussian military modernization around the turn of the 19th century, who founded the 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 (Military Society) in Berlin in 1801. That society became a crucible for intellectual transformation within the Prussian officer corps, emphasizing reflection, debate, and professional education as foundations for a more adaptive and capable military culture.
White underscores how Scharnhorst's efforts transformed the Prussian army into a profession that recognized warfare as an intellectual as well as practical endeavor. Rejecting the purely aristocratic model of command that had previously dominated Prussia's army, Scharnhorst helped to cultivate a culture where officers studied history, debated theory, and challenged accepted norms. The culture of 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘶𝘯𝘨 (self-formation through broad education) created leaders capable of inventive thought and independent judgment, core tenets of what we know today as mission command.
White also explores the interplay between theory and practice during this period, especially how 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 served as an incubator for ideas that later proved essential in restructuring the Prussian army. The discussions, papers, and collaborative analytical exercises of the society’s members helped lay the groundwork for what would become the Prussian General Staff, an organization (and a mindset) that emphasized rigorous planning, flexible command, and meritocratic advancement.
The 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 demonstrated that professional military education could be transformative in its own right, and that fostering open intellectual exchange was both healthy and necessary for the officer corps and the military profession writ large. As White later notes in the book, “The profession of arms was not just a craft or technique… but an extraordinarily complex intellectual skill requiring comprehensive study and training.”
It's not the longest read you'll pick up today, but it may be the most informative. And it might take you right back to where I started... "What problem are we trying to solve?"
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘳 offers a meticulously researched study of Prussia’s early military reform movement, which occurred in the wake of the upheavals brought on by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. At its heart is Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst, the central architect of Prussian military modernization around the turn of the 19th century, who founded the 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 (Military Society) in Berlin in 1801. That society became a crucible for intellectual transformation within the Prussian officer corps, emphasizing reflection, debate, and professional education as foundations for a more adaptive and capable military culture.
White underscores how Scharnhorst's efforts transformed the Prussian army into a profession that recognized warfare as an intellectual as well as practical endeavor. Rejecting the purely aristocratic model of command that had previously dominated Prussia's army, Scharnhorst helped to cultivate a culture where officers studied history, debated theory, and challenged accepted norms. The culture of 𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘶𝘯𝘨 (self-formation through broad education) created leaders capable of inventive thought and independent judgment, core tenets of what we know today as mission command.
White also explores the interplay between theory and practice during this period, especially how 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 served as an incubator for ideas that later proved essential in restructuring the Prussian army. The discussions, papers, and collaborative analytical exercises of the society’s members helped lay the groundwork for what would become the Prussian General Staff, an organization (and a mindset) that emphasized rigorous planning, flexible command, and meritocratic advancement.
The 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘧𝘵 demonstrated that professional military education could be transformative in its own right, and that fostering open intellectual exchange was both healthy and necessary for the officer corps and the military profession writ large. As White later notes in the book, “The profession of arms was not just a craft or technique… but an extraordinarily complex intellectual skill requiring comprehensive study and training.”
It's not the longest read you'll pick up today, but it may be the most informative. And it might take you right back to where I started... "What problem are we trying to solve?"
October 2, 2011
Charles Edward White’s The Enlightened Soldier puts military education in an intriguing perspective. The emphasis on Scharnhorst’s influence attributes worthy credit to him. This book reminds the reader of the importance of a liberal education in the arts and sciences for the military leader. White supports his acclaim of Scharnhorst with the historical success of the Prussian military over Napoleon in contrast to its prior humiliating defeat a few years prior. Count Friedrich Wilhelm, Scharnhorst’s mentor, believed we should “neutralize the aggressive tendencies of major powers by mobilizing entire resources of a nation cultivating their potential.” Scharnhorst would seek to apply “Bildung” ("culture") to the entire population.
February 3, 2022
This book was my text book in Grad school about 20 years ago. The author of this book just published a new book on Scharnhorst and his Formative years so I wanted to re-read this book. in order to prepare for the new release.
The Enlightened Soldier is the culmination of 15 years of research by the author. It was published in 1988 and is out of print. However, you can find copies on eBay and Amazon but they are expensive. I would also try Alibris.com and Biblio.com
The purpose of this book was to identify and trace the essence of German military professionalism as exemplified in the Prussian General Staff.
The genesis for Scharnhorst was his study at Count Wilhelm's Academy. Scharnhorst entered the academy at 17. Scharnhorst spent 15 years as a professional military instructor. He went to war in 1792 and when he returned in 1795 he started to summarize his experience. He was one of a handful of Officers who understood that the French Revolution had changed the face of warfare. His problem was how to define the officers role in terms of this new political and social order. Scharnhorst's ideas were initially rejected. It would take the catastrophe of Jena -Auerstadt in 1806 for the epiphany of change. Prussia's recovery in just 6 years after its catastrophic defeat is also a momentous military historical event in itself - that the Prussians were able to field an army that played a decisive role in the defeat of Napoleon. This rapid regeneration and reconstitution of force under sever constraints was primarily the work of a small cadre of officers led by Scharnhorst.
I highly encourage any serious student of war to read this book from cover to cover. I would also encourage the reader have highlighters, pens and 3x5 cards for notes.
The book is very rich with details, notes, appendices and bibliography. Arguably, the notes and bibliography make this a great desk reference for anyone studying Clausewitz and On War.
Scharnhorst is the Father of modern military professionalism and was a key influencer in Clausewitz life.
The Enlightened Soldier is the culmination of 15 years of research by the author. It was published in 1988 and is out of print. However, you can find copies on eBay and Amazon but they are expensive. I would also try Alibris.com and Biblio.com
The purpose of this book was to identify and trace the essence of German military professionalism as exemplified in the Prussian General Staff.
The genesis for Scharnhorst was his study at Count Wilhelm's Academy. Scharnhorst entered the academy at 17. Scharnhorst spent 15 years as a professional military instructor. He went to war in 1792 and when he returned in 1795 he started to summarize his experience. He was one of a handful of Officers who understood that the French Revolution had changed the face of warfare. His problem was how to define the officers role in terms of this new political and social order. Scharnhorst's ideas were initially rejected. It would take the catastrophe of Jena -Auerstadt in 1806 for the epiphany of change. Prussia's recovery in just 6 years after its catastrophic defeat is also a momentous military historical event in itself - that the Prussians were able to field an army that played a decisive role in the defeat of Napoleon. This rapid regeneration and reconstitution of force under sever constraints was primarily the work of a small cadre of officers led by Scharnhorst.
I highly encourage any serious student of war to read this book from cover to cover. I would also encourage the reader have highlighters, pens and 3x5 cards for notes.
The book is very rich with details, notes, appendices and bibliography. Arguably, the notes and bibliography make this a great desk reference for anyone studying Clausewitz and On War.
Scharnhorst is the Father of modern military professionalism and was a key influencer in Clausewitz life.
November 14, 2022
Summary: Excellent review of Gerhard Scharnhorst’s role in reform and modernization of Prussian military and elevation of the General Staff. The author recounts how Scharnhorst overcame prejudice of the aristocracy to professionalize the Prussian officer corps, create a powerful General Staff, and transform the German approach to warfare that enable battlefield success and set the foundation for professional militaries of the 20th century. Worthy read for anyone looking to understand foundations of Prussian/German approach to war and the critical role of education in successful militaries.
A few key highlights:
- Key tools created or used by Scharnhorst to transform Prussian military - education & continuous study of warfare, Militarische Gesellschaft (discussion society), General Staff and system of Dual Command, and emphasis on informed initiative (later known as Auftragstaktik
- Emphasized the importance of training, education, and leadership - noted that “absent education and training an officer would be incapable of adapting to the changing conditions of combat and instead would turn the art of war into a set of dogmatic principles”
- Emphasized that leaders must possess the character and intellect to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty - believed perception, boldness, initiative, and imagination are the intrinsic qualities of leadership
- Stressed importance of objective analysis and understanding the political, social, economic, and historical context in which military operations occur
A few key highlights:
- Key tools created or used by Scharnhorst to transform Prussian military - education & continuous study of warfare, Militarische Gesellschaft (discussion society), General Staff and system of Dual Command, and emphasis on informed initiative (later known as Auftragstaktik
- Emphasized the importance of training, education, and leadership - noted that “absent education and training an officer would be incapable of adapting to the changing conditions of combat and instead would turn the art of war into a set of dogmatic principles”
- Emphasized that leaders must possess the character and intellect to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty - believed perception, boldness, initiative, and imagination are the intrinsic qualities of leadership
- Stressed importance of objective analysis and understanding the political, social, economic, and historical context in which military operations occur
July 6, 2019
I’ve wanted to read this book for quite some time—it did not disappoint. I once read that Lord Admiral Nelson died at the Battle of Trafalgar and no one noticed due to the ensuing victory of his forces. Only after the battle did his forces realize their commander had died, because through his leadership, he had made them all Nelson’s. Great leaders do just that, and Scharnhorst was in fact a great leader both in the classroom and on the battlefield, producing pupils such as Clausewitz who remains a pillar for military readings today. This should be no surprise. As Scharnhorst died of an infected leg from a battle wound, the men to which he had influenced carried on through the ultimate defeat of Napoleon through the concept of Bildung. His men were successful because he made them all Scharnhorst’s. He gave them the invaluable tool of education and planted the seed of critical thinking. I can think of no greater work which encompasses the importance of military education and merit to which a leader should be retained and promoted in the military service.
January 15, 2018
Probably the best book i have read on the development of the Prussian General Staff (this makes #3). Scharnhorst understood that nations should never rely on the "great man theory" for a military, rather they must create systems that allow for the continual replacement of each individual. Further, Scharnhorst took to ensure that the military became a profession, where the officers read and studied their profession.
It's an expensive book, one that I had to receive through an inter-library loan (not paying over $100 for the book). This book may not be worth to purchase, but it is worth the time to read and reflect upon.
It's an expensive book, one that I had to receive through an inter-library loan (not paying over $100 for the book). This book may not be worth to purchase, but it is worth the time to read and reflect upon.
May 1, 2020
A good look into the life of Scharnhorst and the reforms that he instituted to create the modern professional soldier. The book does a great job of showing how the events and circumstances of the world around him influenced Scharnhorst. I feel like there was some topics of the reform that could've been covered in greater detail such as the reforms at the lower levels of the Prussian military after 1806, such as with the enlisted or the lowest officer ranks, but the amount of focus on the reforms of the General Staff and the importance of always trying to develop yourself is more than enough to satisfy me.
October 22, 2023
The life and work of the Prussian General Scharnhorst. He made significant changes in the Prussian Army after their severe defeat at the hands of Napoleon. He professionalized the Prussian Officer Corps, establishing schools and developing new tactics while attempting to rid the Prussian military of despotism. Clausewitz was one of his great students.
June 7, 2020
A must read on the man who reformed Prussia and trained the Prussian greats. The legacy of Scharnhorst is, arguably, the most profound impact on the 19th Century Profession of Arms. A must read and keeper on the shelf with the classics; especially if you do not read German.
March 17, 2018
This is the foundation of study in maneuver warfare. A must read for those interested in organizational change.
February 16, 2020
Fabulous book. Unbelievable how much the military profession can owe to a single person.
March 30, 2020
An absolute must read for military officers, educators, and political officials.
July 16, 2013
After their defeat in 1806 at the hands of Napolean, the Prussian Army regrouped and became a model fighting force that is still worth emulating today. What many don't know is that the seeds for their reformation were planted years before Jena by a group of officers devoted to advancing the profession. This book is about Scharnhorst and his military society who met from 1801-1805, discussing books, debating doctrine, writing articles, and truly studying their profession. These young leaders advanced into key positions to affect change by 1806, and they completely transformed the Prussian military.
This book provides excellent examples of how the study of war can greatly enhance a leader's ability to make rapid decisions during combat, and how combat experience isn't necessarily a prerequsite for effective leadership.
At one point in the book a senior commander laments to his chief of a staff, an officer who devoted his time to the study of war, the following:
"If I had only learned something, what might not have been made of me! But I put off everything that I should have learned...Instead of studying, I had given myself to gambling, drink, and women. I have hunted and perpetuated all sorts of foolish pranks. An that's why I dont know anything now. Yes, the other way I would have become a different kind of fellow. Believe me, something could have been made out of me."
This is a great book for anyone interested in inspiring leaders to begin complementing their personal experience with a study of history and war.
This book provides excellent examples of how the study of war can greatly enhance a leader's ability to make rapid decisions during combat, and how combat experience isn't necessarily a prerequsite for effective leadership.
At one point in the book a senior commander laments to his chief of a staff, an officer who devoted his time to the study of war, the following:
"If I had only learned something, what might not have been made of me! But I put off everything that I should have learned...Instead of studying, I had given myself to gambling, drink, and women. I have hunted and perpetuated all sorts of foolish pranks. An that's why I dont know anything now. Yes, the other way I would have become a different kind of fellow. Believe me, something could have been made out of me."
This is a great book for anyone interested in inspiring leaders to begin complementing their personal experience with a study of history and war.
August 16, 2013
My Captains Career Course small-group instructor put this book on his reading list for the our class. Contrary to what the title of the book might imply, the book has more than military implications.
Scharnhorst's story was a story of humanitarian ideals and principles and how to influence people to patiently adapt broad organizational change as a part of a modern, sophisticated hyper-opinionated society over decades.
For example, he cultivated a group of officers that would write essays about military and societal issues and then meet regularly to discuss them in a formal club setting. The author also highlights how Scharnhorst reacted to seeing unnecessary civilian killing...questions like "how could the other officers disregard their humanity so easily?" reverberate through the book. (Scharnhorst's reforms to the Prussian Army took hold in the first decade 1800s). Too bad it's so expensive on Amazon (~$200), but since it is a treasure, I returned my money selling it back after reading it.
Scharnhorst's story was a story of humanitarian ideals and principles and how to influence people to patiently adapt broad organizational change as a part of a modern, sophisticated hyper-opinionated society over decades.
For example, he cultivated a group of officers that would write essays about military and societal issues and then meet regularly to discuss them in a formal club setting. The author also highlights how Scharnhorst reacted to seeing unnecessary civilian killing...questions like "how could the other officers disregard their humanity so easily?" reverberate through the book. (Scharnhorst's reforms to the Prussian Army took hold in the first decade 1800s). Too bad it's so expensive on Amazon (~$200), but since it is a treasure, I returned my money selling it back after reading it.
August 13, 2012
Prior to reading this book I was not aware of how significantly Prussian military reform affected our present-day military education system. White provides a clear discussion of the genius that was Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst.
Overall, it has a textbook feel, but one could clearly follow the arguments.
Overall, it has a textbook feel, but one could clearly follow the arguments.
November 21, 2012
A lot of potential here.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews