Karl von ClausewitzCarl Phillip Gottlieb von Clausewitz (June 1, 1780 - November 16, 1831) was a Prussian military thinker. He attained the rank of Major-General in the Prussian Military, and is famous for writing the military strategy book Vom Kriege (On War), first published in 1832. Despite never completing (On War), his ideas have been widely influencial in military theory. He is perhaps most quoted on the idea that war -- violent military action -- is only the 'strong arm' of diplomacy, utilized when more peaceful means of persuasion are not sufficient. He married Countess Marie von BrŸhl.