Oliver Cromwell had certainly this afflatus. One that I knew was at the battle of Dunbar, told me that Oliver was carried on with a Divine impulse; he did laugh so excessively as if he had been drunk; his eyes sparkled with spirits. He obtain'd a great victory; but the action was said to be contrary to human prudence. The same fit of laughter seized Oliver Cromwell just before the battle of Naseby; as a kinsman of mine, and a great favourite of his, Colonel J. P. then present, testified. Cardinal Mazerine said, that he was a lucky fool.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Anecdotes suggest Cromwell acted on divine impulse and unusual behavior like excessive laughter before battles.
- In plain terms
- People said Cromwell felt guided by God and laughed wildly before winning key battles.
- What can you take from it?
- Success sometimes comes from intuition that seems irrational.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is intuition enough for leadership?
- How does belief affect action?
Another view
The account relies on subjective testimony and may exaggerate behavior.
More from Oliver Cromwell
The commonest charge against Cromwell is hypocrisy - and the commonest basis for that is defective chronology.
Permalink to quote #57 A perfect master of all the arts of dissimulation: who, turning up the whites of his eyes, and seeking the Lord with pious gestures, will weep and pray, and ca…
Permalink to quote #59 During a great part of the eighteenth century most Tories hated him because he overthrew the monarchy, most Whigs because he overthrew Parliament. Since Carlyl…
Permalink to quote #56
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