Bonaparte has often made his boast that our fleet would be worn out by keeping the sea and that his was kept in order and increasing by staying in port; but know he finds, I fancy, if Emperors hear the truth, that his fleet suffers more in a night than ours in one year.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nelson argues that continuous sea service wears out his fleet less than keeping ships in port.
- In plain terms
- Ships at sea fare better than those stuck in port.
- What can you take from it?
- Active engagement keeps readiness higher than inactivity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is inactivity costing you?
- How do you maintain readiness?
Another view
Constant activity can also lead to burnout or resource drain.
More from Horatio Nelson
Thank God, I have done my duty.
Permalink to quote #26 Desperate affairs require desperate measures.
Permalink to quote #28 Kiss me, Hardy
Permalink to quote #25
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