We must make this campaign an exceedingly active one. Only thus can a weaker country cope with a stronger; it must make up in activity what it lacks in strength. A defensive campaign can only be made successful by taking the aggressive at the proper time. Napoleon never waited for his adversary to become fully prepared, but struck him the first blow.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Weaker nations must act aggressively to compensate for lack of strength, striking before enemies are ready.
- In plain terms
- Be active and attack first to overcome a stronger foe.
- What can you take from it?
- Activity and initiative offset numerical inferiority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is offense always best for the weak?
- How to choose the right time?
Another view
Over-aggression by the weak can lead to quick exhaustion and defeat.
More from Thomas Jackson
My duty is to obey orders.
Permalink to quote #21 Duty is ours; consequences are God's.
Permalink to quote #23 Once you get them running, you stay right on top of them, and that way a small force can defeat a large one every time.
Permalink to quote #20
Related quotes
Some men use a shorter long sword with the intention of jumping in and stabbing the enemy at the unguarded moment when he flourishes his sword. This inclinatio…
Miyamoto MusashiMiyamoto Musashi quote #80 If he takes a shot at me, I'll be on him like a monkey on a football.
Phil HendriePhil Hendrie quote #332 If Paulus's army had capitulated before the end, the Russians would have had the advantage of withdrawing forces against Paulus and against the southern front,…
Erich von MansteinErich von Manstein quote #1