Balance Quote by Carl von Clausewitz
“We repeat again: strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one’s balance in spite of them. Even with the violence of emotion, judgment and principle must still function like a ship’s compass, which records the slightest variations however rough the sea.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On War, 1832
Character strength lies not in intense emotions but in maintaining balance and judgment despite them, like a compass guiding a ship through rough seas.
In simple terms: Balance and judgment matter more than raw feeling.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate steadiness amid strong emotions.
Themes
character
balance
judgment
emotion
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership training
- conflict resolution
- stress management
- military strategy
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethical decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep judgment clear when emotions surge?
- What practices help you stay balanced?
A Different Perspective
Emotions can provide valuable signals; ignoring them entirely may be detrimental.
![“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)
