Robert E. Lee Quotes

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.

~ Robert E. Lee

I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

~ Robert E. Lee

It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.

~ Robert E. Lee

Cadets can neither be treated as schoolboys or soldiers.

~ Robert E. Lee

It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.

~ Robert E. Lee

True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels them the desire to do right is precisely the same.

~ Robert E. Lee

All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away-by standing still

~ Robert E. Lee

I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.

~ Robert E. Lee

Why, sir, in the beginning we appointed all our worst generals to command the armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers. As you know, I have planned some campaigns and quite a number of battles. I have given the work all the care and thought I could, and sometimes, when my plans were completed, as far as I could see, they seemed to be perfect. But when I have fought them through, I have discovered defects and occasionally wondered I did not see some of the defects in advance. When it was all over, I found by reading a newspaper that these best editor generals saw all the defects plainly from the start. Unfortunately, they did not communicate their knowledge to me until it was too late.” Then, after a pause, he added, with a beautiful, grave expression I can never forget: “I have no ambition but to serve the Confederacy, and do all I can to win our independence. I an willing to serve in any capacity to which the authorities may assign me. I have done the best I could in the field, and have not succeeded as I could wish. I am willing to yield my place to these best generals, and I will do my best for the cause in editing a newspaper.”In the same strain he once remarked to one of his generals: “Even as poor a soldier as I am can generally discover mistakes after it is all over. But if I could only induce these wise gentlemen who see them so clearly beforehand to communicate with me in advance, instead of waiting until the evil has come upon us, to let me know that they knew all the time, it would be far better for my reputation, and (what is of more consequence) far better for the cause.

~ Robert E. Lee

The devil's name is dullness.

~ Robert E. Lee

Let the tent be struck.

~ Robert E. Lee

The devil's name is Dullness.

~ Robert E. Lee

I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.

~ Robert E. Lee

What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.

~ Robert E. Lee

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

~ Robert E. Lee

It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.

~ Robert E. Lee

The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.

~ Robert E. Lee

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

~ Robert E. Lee

While we see the course of the final abolition of human slavery is onward, & we give it the aid of our prayers & all justifiable means in our power, we must leave the progress as well as the result in his hands who sees the end; who chooses to work by slow influences; & with whom two thousand years are but as a single day.

~ Robert E. Lee

In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.

~ Robert E. Lee

In this enlightened age, there are few I believe, but what will acknowledge, that slavery as an institution is a moral & political evil in any country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages.

~ Robert E. Lee

The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.

~ Robert E. Lee

We should live, act, and say nothing to the injury of anyone. It is not only best as a matter of principle, but it is the path to peace and honor.

~ Robert E. Lee

You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage.

~ Robert E. Lee

Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.

~ Robert E. Lee

A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword on none.

~ Robert E. Lee

I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.

~ Robert E. Lee

The education of a man is never completed until he dies.

~ Robert E. Lee

We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.

~ Robert E. Lee

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

~ Robert E. Lee