Abandon Quote by Carl von Clausewitz
“After we have thought out everything carefully in advance and have sought and found without prejudice the most plausible plan, we must not be ready to abandon it at the slightest provocation. should this certainty be lacking, we must tell ourselves that nothing is accomplished in warfare without daring; that the nature of war certainly does not let us see at all times where we are going; that what is probable will always be probable though at the moment it may not seem so; and finally, that we cannot be readily ruined by a single error, if we have made reasonable preparations.”
About This Quote
Strategic certainty must be tempered with flexibility; war demands daring, uncertainty, and resilience, yet careful preparation mitigates catastrophic failure.
In simple terms: Plan well, stay daring, accept uncertainty.
Key Takeaway
Balance preparation with adaptability.
Themes
military theory
strategy
risk management
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
strategic max
historical insight
When to use this quote
- business crisis planning
- military training
- project risk assessment
Key Concepts
uncertainty tolerance
resilience
Practical Applications
- Develop contingency plans
- cultivate decisive leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How much flexibility should be built into a plan?
- When does daring become reckless?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on preparation can stifle necessary improvisation.
![“Rather than comparing [war] to art we could more accurately compare it to commerce, which is also a conflict of human interests and activities; and it is still closer to politics, which in turn may be considered as a kind of commerce on a larger scale.” quote by Carl von Clausewitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c35/carl-von-clausewitz-2060_activity_rather-than-comparing-war-to-art-we-coul_21236.jpg)
