Alexander Suvorov Quotes

A strong pursuit, give no time for the enemy to think, take advantage of victory, uproot him, cut off his escape route.

Fight the enemy with the weapons he lacks.

Train hard, fight easy.

It is very difficult to do one's duty. I was considered a barbarian because at the storming of the Praga 7,000 people were killed. Europe says that I am a monster. I myself have read this in the papers, but I would have liked to talk to people about this and ask them: is it not better to finish a war with the death of 7,000 people rather than to drag it on and kill 100,000.

One minute decides the outcome of a battle, one hour the success of a campaign, one day the fate of empires.

Exercises cultivated self-reliance - the foundation of courage.

Judgment of eye, speed and attack are the basis of victory.

Die for the Virgin, for your mother the Empress, for the royal family. The Church will pray to God for the dead. The survivor has honor and glory.

One cannot think that blind bravery gives victory over the enemy.

Fortune seized at the right moment gives victory.

The three military arts. First - Apprehension, how to arrange things in camp, how to march, how to attack, pursue, and strike; for taking up position, final judgement of the enemy's strength, for estimating his intentions. Second - Quickness... This quickness doesn't weary the men. The enemy doesn't expect us, reckons us 100 versts away, and if a long way off to begin with - 200, 300 or more - suddenly we're on him, like snow on the head; his head spins. Attack with what comes up, with what God sends; the cavalry to begin, smash, strike, cut off, don't let slip, hurra! Brothers do miracles! Third - Attack. Leg supports leg. Arm strengthens arm; many men will die in the volley; the enemy has the same weapons, but he doesn't know the Russian bayonet. Extend the line - attack at once with cold steel; extend the line without stopping... the Cossacks to get through everywhere... In two lines is strength; in three, half as much again; the first breaks, the second drives into heaps, the third overthrows.

To me death is better than the defensive.

The bullet is a fool, the bayonet is a fine chap.

Accustom yourself to tireless activity...

Fire opens the gates of victory.