WIST Quotations

Von Moltke, Helmuth -- “On Strategy” (1871)

Dave — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:35:54 +0000

The tactical result of an engagement forms the base for new strategic decisions because victory or defeat in a battle changes the situation to such a degree that no human acumen is able to see beyond the first battle. In this sense one should understand Napoleon’s saying: “I have never had a plan of operations.” Therefore no plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact with the main hostile force.

Helmuth von Moltke (1800-1891) Prussian soldier
“On Strategy” (1871)

Translated in Daniel J. Hughes, Harry Bell, Moltke on the Art of War: Selected Writings (1993).

Paraphrases / variants:

"No plan survives contact with the enemy."
"No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy."

Von Moltke, Helmuth -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

First ponder, then dare.

Helmuth von Moltke (1800-1891) Prussian soldier
(Attributed)

Von Moltke, Helmuth -- (Attributed)

Dave — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:36:56 +0000

You will usually find that the enemy has three courses open to him, and of these he will adopt the fourth.

Helmuth von Moltke (1800-1891) Prussian soldier
(Attributed)

Von Moltke, Helmuth -- Comment as Chief of the Prussian General Staff, Battle of Sedan (Sep 1870)

Dave — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:11:29 +0000

Remember, gentlemen, an order that can be misunderstood will be misunderstood.

Helmuth von Moltke (1800-1891) Prussian soldier
Comment as Chief of the Prussian General Staff, Battle of Sedan (Sep 1870)