Let me alone: I have yet my legs and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner it's off the better.
Interpretation
This quote reflects courage in the face of certain loss, emphasizing the importance of acting quickly in difficult situations.
Horatio Nelson's quote demonstrates incredible bravery and resolve in the face of impending loss. By expressing his wish for the surgeon to act quickly to amputate his arm, Nelson showcases his acceptance of a painful reality, prioritizing decisive action and the maintenance of hope over despair. It highlights how individuals can confront their adversities with strength and determination, even when faced with life-altering challenges.
In practice
During a motivational speech to inspire a group of athletes preparing for a tough competition.
Firstly, you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own respecting their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and thirdly, you must hate a Frenchman, as you do the devil.
Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.
To do nothing was disgraceful; therefore I made use of my understanding.
In honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them.
Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.
First gain the victory and then make the best use of it you can.
Good courage in a bad affair is half of the evil overcome.
I was stricken by news and television pictures coming from the United States this morning. It is impossible to fully comprehend the evil that would have conjured up such a cowardly and depraved assault upon thousands of innocent people. There can be no cause or grievance that could ever justify such unspeakable violence. Indeed, such an attack is an assault not only on the targets but an offense against the freedom and rights of all civilized nations.
Either life entails courage, or it ceases to be life.
Our country demands all our strength, all our energies. To resist the powerful combination now forming against us will require every man at his place. If victorious, we will have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated, nothing will be left for us to live for.
Almost everything worthwhile carries with it some sort of risk, whether it's starting a new business, whether it's leaving home, whether it's getting married, or whether it's flying in space.
I was paralyzed from the chest down when I was 19, so I kind of put my head together about dying, and I think I've come to terms with it.
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