Firstly you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own regarding their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and thirdly you must hate a Frenchman as you hate the devil.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nelson outlines strict rules for obedience, loyalty to the king, and hatred of the enemy.
- In plain terms
- Obey orders, defend your king, and hate the enemy.
- What can you take from it?
- Total loyalty and obedience are required in military service.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What limits obedience?
- Who is your enemy?
Another view
Blind obedience and hatred can enable harmful actions.
More from Horatio Nelson
Our country will, I believe, sooner forgive an officer for attacking an enemy than for letting it alone.
Permalink to quote #2 My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.
Permalink to quote #3 Let me alone: I have yet my legs and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner it's off the b…
Permalink to quote #4
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