What is war? What are its intricacies? Why is it fought the way it is? These prompts and more are discussed thoroughly by arguably one of the most historically ignored generals, Carl Von Clausewitz. His reforms after the prussian defeat at the hands of napoleon made the prussian fighting force the most formidable adversary. These military reforms were so effective that they were given up after WWII after the defeat of nazi germany. Nonetheless, it is much more often quoted than read or understood. Summarizing this book is almost impossible. I will give certain highlights of the book so as to convince others to read it. The beginning is mirrored with a sense of aggression, with quotes such as “The conqueror is always a lover of peace; he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.” The first half of this sentence is an oxymoron, as how could a conqueror, who is a fighter, a warlord, be seen as peaceful? The act of conquering has been frowned upon by western civilization since the end of WWII in which the european powers started to decolonize africa and other asian countries. The other half of the quoted sentence is almost a reversal on your would be previous thought. The statement then as a whole makes the reader think outright to situations throughout history, where invasions were almost too easy ie. germany and poland in 1939. However this is a discrepancy between the views expressed here and in the 21st century. War and violence are frowned upon by most of the modern world. Resulting in people who may come off as aggressive or volatile to be shunned. On the other hand, Clausewitz was born in 1780 and died 1830. This age was a start of grand battles and nationalistic tendencies resulting in people going to war willingly as they saw it as a way to further their own countries ideals. “If we read history with an open mind, we cannot fail to conclude that, among all the military virtues, the energetic conduct of war has always contributed most to glory and success.” Clausewitz was fond of combat and infused his vigor into the very bones of the troops he led. His prowess for not only understanding war, but that war in its essence is a continuation of politics made him an intimidating individual. In short, On War is not only a book about combat. It stresses politics and philosophy, while also teaching how to understand the morale of your comrades. The teachings presented should be upheld almost religiously as with each point that was made, it was like a hammer being driven into a nail. The point would become clearer and clearer. Any individual who enjoys tactics as well as history owes themselves to read this book thoroughly.
The beginning is mirrored with a sense of aggression, with quotes such as “The conqueror is always a lover of peace; he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.” The first half of this sentence is an oxymoron, as how could a conqueror, who is a fighter, a warlord, be seen as peaceful? The act of conquering has been frowned upon by western civilization since the end of WWII in which the european powers started to decolonize africa and other asian countries. The other half of the quoted sentence is almost a reversal on your would be previous thought. The statement then as a whole makes the reader think outright to situations throughout history, where invasions were almost too easy ie. germany and poland in 1939.
However this is a discrepancy between the views expressed here and in the 21st century. War and violence are frowned upon by most of the modern world. Resulting in people who may come off as aggressive or volatile to be shunned. On the other hand, Clausewitz was born in 1780 and died 1830. This age was a start of grand battles and nationalistic tendencies resulting in people going to war willingly as they saw it as a way to further their own countries ideals. “If we read history with an open mind, we cannot fail to conclude that, among all the military virtues, the energetic conduct of war has always contributed most to glory and success.” Clausewitz was fond of combat and infused his vigor into the very bones of the troops he led. His prowess for not only understanding war, but that war in its essence is a continuation of politics made him an intimidating individual.
In short, On War is not only a book about combat. It stresses politics and philosophy, while also teaching how to understand the morale of your comrades. The teachings presented should be upheld almost religiously as with each point that was made, it was like a hammer being driven into a nail. The point would become clearer and clearer. Any individual who enjoys tactics as well as history owes themselves to read this book thoroughly.
Difficulty: 9/10
Rating: 9/10