is the operation of powers which do not develop themselves completely
in the same manner and in the same measure, but which at one time expand
sufficiently to overcome the resistance opposed by inertia or friction,
while at another they are too weak to produce an effect; it is
therefore, in a certain measure, a pulsation of violent force more or
less vehement, consequently making its discharges and exhausting its
powers more or less quickly--in other words, conducting more or less
quickly to the aim, but always lasting long enough to admit of influence
being exerted on it in its course, so as to give it this or
that direction, in short, to be subject to the will of a guiding
intelligence., if we reflect that War has its root in a political
object, then naturally this original motive which called it into
existence should also continue the first and highest consideration in
its conduct. Still, the political object is no despotic lawgiver on
that account; it must accommodate itself to the nature of the means, and
though changes in these means may involve modification in the political
objective, the latter always retains a prior right to consideration.
Policy, therefore, is interwoven with the whole action of War, and must
exercise a continuous influence upon it, as far as the nature of the
forces liberated by it will permit.


24. WAR IS A MERE CONTINUATION OF POLICY BY OTHER MEANS.

We see, therefore, that War is not merely a political act, but also
a real political instrument, a continuation of political commerce,
a carrying out of the same by other means. All beyond this which is
strictly peculiar to War relates merely to the peculiar nature of the
means which it uses. That the tendencies and views of policy shall not
be incompatible with these means, the Art of War in general and the