Alexander Suvorov

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Shoot seldom, but true. Strike hard with the bayonet.

   Suvorov taught his soldiers that one aimed shot beats a volley of hopeful ones, and that the decisive moment comes at close range. Fewer attempts, each one meant, then full commitment. Apply it to any effort: aim before you fire, and when you move in, move in hard.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), IX, our translation from the Russian

2. The bullet is a fool. The bayonet is a fine fellow.

   A shot from far away can miss; a man who closes the distance does not. Suvorov trusted courage and contact over hoping something lands from a safe range. Stop lobbing messages from a distance. Walk up and do the thing in person.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), IX, our translation from the Russian

3. A sure eye. Speed. Onslaught.

   Suvorov reduced the art of war to three things: read the ground at a glance, move faster than anyone expects, and hit with everything once you arrive. It is a whole strategy in three words. See clearly, act quickly, commit fully.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), XII, our translation from the Russian

4. Foot braces foot. Hand strengthens hand.

   This is how Suvorov describes the shock of a close formation: every man pushes because the man beside him pushes. Strength in a team is not added, it is multiplied. Stand close to good people and lean into the same direction.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), XII, our translation from the Russian

5. One trained man is worth three untrained.

   Training is the cheapest multiplier there is. One person who has drilled the basics until they are automatic outperforms a crowd who are figuring it out on the day. Put in the reps now and you will count as three when it matters.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), XV, our translation from the Russian

6. It's a sin to kill for nothing. They are people like us.

   In the middle of a hard manual on attack, Suvorov orders mercy for the defeated. The fiercest fighter remembers that the man across from him is still a man. Win hard, then stop; there is no honor in cruelty after the fight is decided.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), IX, our translation from the Russian

7. Attack with what you came with.

   Suvorov did not wait for perfect numbers or perfect conditions; he struck with whatever had arrived. Waiting until you are fully ready usually means waiting until the chance is gone. Start with what you have in your hands today.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), XII, our translation from the Russian

8. Much trouble comes from "I can't know."

   Suvorov invented a word for the habit of dodging a question with 'I can't know' and treated it as an enemy worse than disease. Evasion feels safe and costs everyone. Give a straight answer, or find one, but never hide behind a shrug.

   The Science of Victory (1795-96), XIV, our translation from the Russian