18th Century Quotable Quotes

Frederick the Great, Voltaire, etc.

By Chris Engle


"The most certain way of insuring victory is to march briskly and in good order against the enemy, always endeavouring to gain ground."

--Frederick the Great

"God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best."

--Voltaire (1694-1778), French philosopher, author. Notebooks, vol. 2, "The Piccini Notebooks"

"Always treat your mount and men well, for they will repay your kindness with all their hearts. Ensure your sword is razor-sharp at all times and never be seen without it. Never fire a musket and use a pistol only to save yourself - they are unbecoming of officers. And, above all, remember to shout gallantly whilst charging."

--Advice from an English lieutenant's uncle ca. 1760
quoted by Daniel Nelson in Lace Wars Discussion Group

"The purpose of war is to push back the unrighteous enemy, not to exterminate the human race."

--Attributed to Marshal Daun & quoted by Jeremy Dowd in Lace Wars Discussion Group


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