Reflections on Clausewitz, Book 2 Chapter II: On the Theory of War

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Clausewitz begins this chapter by reflecting on how all the theories of war up to this point are mere mechanical abstractions.  They miss out on the difference implicit in forging a sword versus wielding a sword (how I wish he could have read the Book of Five Rings!).  Certainly, you need certain objective standards and procedures to create an army in the first place – but to reduce the entire War to a mechanical system – be it mechanical troop movement, a focus on supply chains, or any othe...