I had rather have a plain, russet-coated Captain, that knows what he fights for, and loves what he knows, than that which you call a Gentle-man and is nothing else.
Meaning of the quote
In this quote, Oliver Cromwell, an English soldier, says that he would rather have a simple and hardworking military leader who understands and cares about what they are fighting for, rather than someone who is just called a "gentleman" but doesn't have any real skills or dedication. Cromwell believes that a good leader should be someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about their work, not just someone with a fancy title.
About Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell was a prominent English statesman, politician, and soldier who played a crucial role in British history. He rose to prominence during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and later became the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, ruling until his death in 1658. Cromwell’s legacy remains controversial, with some viewing him as a military dictator and others as a hero of liberty.
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More quotes from Oliver Cromwell
What is all our histories, but God showing himself, shaking and trampling on everything that he has not planted.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
I had rather have a plain, russet-coated Captain, that knows what he fights for, and loves what he knows, than that which you call a Gentle-man and is nothing else.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
God made them as stubble to our swords.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Who can love to walk in the dark? But providence doth often so dispose.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Subtlety may deceive you; integrity never will.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
We are Englishmen; that is one good fact.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
The State, in choosing men to serve it, takes no notice of their opinions. If they be willing faithfully to serve it, that satisfies.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Not only strike while the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Do not trust the cheering, for those persons would shout as much if you or I were going to be hanged.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
I would have been glad to have lived under my wood side, and to have kept a flock of sheep, rather than to have undertaken this government.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
He who stops being better stops being good.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
A few honest men are better than numbers.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Put your trust in God; but be sure to keep your powder dry.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Necessity has no law.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)
Nature can do more than physicians.
English military and political leader (1599-1658)