Ulysses S. Grant Quotes

I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly

~ Ulysses S. Grant

The framers of our Constitution firmly believed that a republican government could not endure without intelligence and education generally diffused among the people. The Father of his Country, in his Farewell Address, uses this language: Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

It is preposterous to suppose that the people of one generation can lay down the best and only rules of government for all who are to come after them, and under unforeseen contingencies.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

I know of no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

Everyone has his superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere or to do anything never to turn back or to stop until the thing intended was accomplished.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

If men make war in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

I suffer the mortification of seeing myself attacked right and left by people at home professing patriotism and love of country who never heard the whistle of a hostile bullet. I pity them and the nation dependent on such for its existence. I am thankful, however that, though such people make a great noise, the masses are not like them.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

I have made it a rule of my life to trust a man long after other people gave him up, but I don't see how I can ever trust any human being again.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

Let us have peace.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.

~ Ulysses S. Grant

Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future.

~ Ulysses S. Grant