Chris’s Reviews > The Military Maxims of Napoleon > Status Update

"These comments on qualities required by a good commanding general are....the avoidance of becoming obsessed by detail, the ability to pick out the essential from non-essential"

"In war, the general alone can judge of certain arrangements. It is he alone who can conquer difficulties by his own superior sagacity and courage"

"All real strength is founded in the mind; and on this account I am of the opinion that we should be directed in the choice of a governor less by his genius than his personal character. His most essential qualities should be courage, perseverance, and soldier-like devotedness"

"...it will be found that a retreat will degenerate rapidly into a rout, unless the general-in-chief shall succeed, by combining boldness with skill, and the perseverance with firmness, in restoring the morals of his army"

"It is contrary to all principles to make corps which have no communication act separately, against a central force whose communications are open"

"The first consideration with a general who offers battle should be the glory and honour of his arms. The safety and preservation of his men is only the second"

"A battle is to be sought when there is reason to hope for victory; or when an army runs the risk of being ruined without fighting"

"Even in offensive warfare in the open field the great secret consists in defensive combats, and in obliging the enemy to attack"

"it is a useless venture to employ old combat methods under new conditions and a different historical situation" - Lenin