Bases Quote by Carl von Clausewitz
“Close combat, man to man, is plainly to be regarded as the real basis of combat.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On War, 1832
Close-quarters fighting is the fundamental element of warfare, emphasizing personal combat over distant tactics.
In simple terms: Hand‑to‑hand fighting is the core of war.
Master fundamentals before complex strategies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- military training
- self‑defense
- historical analysis
- leadership development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does technology change the role of close combat?
- What lessons from close combat apply to modern conflicts?
Modern warfare often relies on technology, not just close combat.