Ability Quote by Carl von Clausewitz
“Responsibility and danger do not tend to free or stimulate the average person's mind- rather the contrary; but wherever they do liberate an individual's judgement and confidence we can be sure that we are in the presence of exceptional ability.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On War, Carl von Clausewitz, 1832
Danger and responsibility can sharpen judgment and confidence, revealing exceptional ability, rather than merely freeing the mind.
In simple terms: Responsibility and danger can reveal talent.
Key Takeaway
Seek challenges that develop judgment.
Themes
responsibility
danger
talent
judgment
Mood
serious
analytical
inspirational
Type
leadership
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership decisions
- high‑stakes projects
- personal development
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
psychology of leadership
risk and growth
exceptional ability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance risk with safety?
- When does responsibility become overwhelming?
A Different Perspective
Excessive danger can cause burnout or poor decisions.
![“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)
