Ulysses S. Grant said this quote

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