Alexander Suvorov Quotes

The more comfort the less courage there is.

Win with ability, not with numbers.

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.

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

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.

To surprise the enemy is to defeat him.

The officers know that I myself am not ashamed to work at this. ...Suvorov was Major, and Adjutant, and everything down to Corporal; I myself looked into everything and could teach everybody.

As long as the enemy fights he must be beaten relentlessly, but a defeated enemy and especially the civilian population must be treated generously.

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

Drill your soldiers well, and give them a pattern yourself.

Accustom yourself to tireless activity...

If we had not driven them into hell... hell would have swallowed us.

To me death is better than the defensive.

Exercises cultivated self-reliance - the foundation of courage.

Fight the enemy with the weapons he lacks.