"Never stand and take a charge... charge them too"

Nathan Bedford Forrest’s words convey a philosophy of unrelenting initiative and aggression, particularly in the realm of conflict or competition. Rather than accepting a passive or purely defensive position when confronted by an opponent’s advance, he urges an assertive response. In contexts such as warfare, sports, business, or even personal endeavors, the admonition is to avoid merely withstanding pressure or attack; instead, one should actively counter the aggression, meeting it head-on with equal or greater force.

Forrest’s perspective stems from the recognition that yielding ground or adopting a solely reactive posture often surrenders the momentum to the adversary. Standing to receive a charge symbolizes accepting the terms and tempo set by the opposition. To “charge them too” is to refuse acquiescence, undermining the adversary’s confidence and initiative. The principle suggests that the optimal form of defense involves seizing the initiative and forcing the opponent to deal with unexpected countermoves. Such actions can disrupt their plans, sow confusion, and shift psychological advantage to the actor rather than the reactor.

The attitude encapsulated here is one of boldness and determination. It advocates for personal or organizational proactivity, not just in battle but in any challenge. By refusing to be cowed or paralyzed by an assault, whether figurative or literal, a person asserts control over their circumstances. The charge becomes not just a military maneuver but a metaphor for resilience and agency, stating that one need not comply with the circumstances dictated by others.

Forrest’s message, interpreted through a modern lens, champions an ethos of meeting challenges directly, using adversity as an opportunity to assert oneself assertively. It underlines the value of refusing passivity in the face of pressure, encouraging individuals to respond robustly and turn defense into offense whenever confronted by hardship or opposition.