"No military leader has ever become great without having audacity."

The Fundamental Principles of War by Carl von Clausewitz, translated for the first time into Greek, captures a decisive phase in the intellectual development of this preeminent theorist of war and can be considered a precursor to his later works. The work was written in 1812 in the form of an essay and was bequeathed to his 16-year-old student, then heir to the Prussian throne and later monarch Frederick William IV. More than two centuries after its writing, it is among the most significant classic manuals of military operations.

It combines theory with practice, providing a wealth of historical examples, primarily from the Napoleonic Wars.

The conception of war as a complex mechanism is analyzed, which, when set in motion, causes incalculable friction. Due importance is given to lightning warfare, the decisive blow against the opponent, and the conquest of public opinion. The value of moral and psychological factors is emphasized, particularly courage, boldness, and self-sacrifice. The importance of the advice and apothegms it contains regarding tactics and strategy, both in defense and attack, remains unchanged over time.