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About this quote

What does it mean?
Let an opponent stay in their mistake to maximize your advantage.
In plain terms
Do not correct an enemy's mistake too soon.
What can you take from it?
Wait for the enemy to dig deeper before striking.

Where it applies

  • competition
  • negotiations
  • combat

Putting it to work

  • identify moments to capitalize on errors
  • practice strategic patience

Questions to consider

  • When is patience better than immediate action?

Another view

Waiting too long can allow the enemy to recover.

More from Horatio Nelson

  1. Desperate affairs require desperate measures.

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  2. I cannot command winds and weather.

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  3. 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 kn…

    Permalink to quote #27

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