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Spartan Surfers

1712–1786

Frederick the Great

Frederick II, King of Prussia, general, flute player and correspondent of Voltaire. He wrote military instructions for his generals in French, translated into English in 1762.

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

  1. The inexperienced try to secure everything. The skilled guard the main thing.

    Spreading yourself to protect everything leaves you weak everywhere. Frederick tells his generals to defend what really matters and let the rest go. Decide what is essential and concentrate there.

    Military Instructions for the Generals of His Army (1762 English translation), on detachments, Translated by an officer, 1762

  2. Accept small losses to avoid greater ones.

    Trying to prevent every small loss can expose you to a large one. Frederick accepts minor setbacks as the price of protecting the core. Let the small things go so you can hold the big ones.

    Military Instructions for the Generals of His Army (1762 English translation), on detachments, Translated by an officer, 1762