Campaign Quote by Carl von Clausewitz
“No campaign plan survives first contact with the enemy”
About This Quote
Source Book: On War, 1832
Plans fail when reality confronts the enemy; adaptability is essential.
In simple terms: Plans rarely survive first contact.
Adapt plans to reality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- battlefield command
- business planning
- crisis management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance planning and adaptability?
- What signals indicate a plan must change?
Overemphasis on flexibility may cause indecision.