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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sea battles involve so many unknowns that you must accept chance plays a role.
In plain terms
Nothing is sure in a sea fight so you must leave room for chance.
What can you take from it?
Prepare for uncertainty in complex environments.

Where it applies

  • naval operations
  • business ventures
  • investing

Putting it to work

  • build contingency plans
  • manage expectations on certainty

Questions to consider

  • How do you plan for the unpredictable?

Another view

Some outcomes can be predicted with enough data.

More from Horatio Nelson

  1. May the Great God, whom I worship, grant to my Country and for the benefit of Europe in general a great and glorious victory; and may no misconduct in anyone t…

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  2. When I am without orders and unexpected occurrences arrive I shall always act as I think the honour and glory of my King and Country demand. But in case signal…

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  3. The measure may be thought bold, but I am of the opinion the boldest are the safest.

    Permalink to quote #18

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