[Admiral Nelson's counsel] guided me time and again. On…
“[Admiral Nelson's counsel] guided me time and again. On the eve of the critical battle of Santa Cruz, in which the Japanese ships outnumbered ours more than two to one, I sent my task force commanders this dispatch: ATTACK REPEAT ATTACK. They did attack, heroically, and when the battle was done, the enemy turned away. All problems, personal, national, or combat, become smaller if you don't dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble. Carry the battle to the enemy! Lay your ship alongside his!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Confront challenges directly; bold action turns obstacles into opportunities.
In simple terms: Face problems head‑on to overcome them.
Act decisively in adversity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- military planning
- business negotiations
- personal goal setting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks are worth taking?
- How can you balance caution with boldness?
Boldness can provoke unnecessary risk.