Robert Edward Lee was an American and Confederate soldier, best known as a commander of the Confederate States Army. He commanded the Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until its surrender in 1865. Thought-provoking Robert E. Lee quotes will inspire you to sharpen your thoughts on life, goals and failure.
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Most Famous Robert E. Lee Quotes
It is well that war is so terrible. Otherwise, we should grow too fond of it.
Never do anything wrong to make a friend or keep one Robert E. Lee
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world.
I am of the opinion that all who can should vote for the most intelligent, honest, and conscientious men eligible to office, irrespective of former party opinions, who will endeavor to make the new constitutions and the laws passed under them as beneficial as possible to the true interests, prosperity, and liberty of all classes and conditions of the people.
To fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.
If the Union is dissolved and the 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 can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union.
Lee and few battles as titanic and puzzling as Gettysburg. Why did Lee fail? In Lost Triumph, Tom Carhart offers a bold and provocative new assessment. Agree or disagree, it is sure to stimulate debate among even the most seasoned Civil War buffs. Jay Winik
Who chooses to work by slow influences; & with whom two thousand years are but as a single day.
Don’t let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning. Robert Kiyosaki
My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men.
Markers are everywhere. There’s a marker for the first Confederate post office, there’s a marker for a ball that Robert E. Lee hosted, there’s a marker for where Jefferson Davis had a meeting. We love reminding people about all that was going on in the mid nineteenth century. Bryan Stevenson
The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him.
I am not one to generalize, but cartoonists, as a group, exhibit a level of social sophistication generally associated with pie fights. In high school, when the future lawyers were campaigning for class president, the future cartoonists were painstakingly altering illustrations in their history books so that Robert E. Lee appeared to be performing an illegal act with his horse. Dave Barry
True man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others
Military metaphors are rarely exact, but sending Republicans against Democrats when the issue hangs in the balance is nearly always as futile as sending George B. McClellan against Robert E. Lee, the Italians against Marshal Montgomery’s desert rats or an Arab armored division against an Israeli rifle company. The copy desk can write the headline before the battle begins and take the rest of the night off. Wesley Pruden
He can not only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put the past.
Robert E. Lee Prewitt. Isn’t that a silly old name Donna Reed
My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.
In her opinion, Alexander Graham Bell and Clarence Birdseye are the two greatest Americans that ever lived excluding Robert E. Lee. She believes we never lost the War Between the States, that General Lee thought General Grant was the butler and just naturally handed him his sword. Fannie Flagg
True patriotism sometimes requires 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.
It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation.
Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.
The power which the strong have over the weak, the employer over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly the forbearing or inoffensive use of all this power or authority, or a total abstinence from it when the case admits it, will show the men in a plain light.
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
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.
My failures have been errors in judgment, not of intent.
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 expiate on its disadvantages.
I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.
The framers of our Constitution never exhausted so much labor, wisdom, and forbearance in its formation, and surrounded it with so many guards and securities, if it was intended to be broken by every member of the Confederacy at will.
Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions.
I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
I don’t know why black skin may not cover a true heart as well as a white one.
The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman.
Whither shall I flee? To no country on earth that I know of where there is as much liberty as yet remains to me even in Virginia. Robert E. Lee
My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health.
I believe I may so, looking into my own heart, and speaking as in the presence of God, that I have never know one moment of bitterness or resentment. Robert E. Lee
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.
A man may manifest and communicate his joy, but he should conceal and smother his grief as much as possible. Robert E. Lee
I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and I have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.
I endeavored to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all his mercies to me, for his preservation of me through all the dangers I have passed, and all the blessings which he has bestowed upon me, for I know I fall far short of my obligations. 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.
There is scarcely anything that is right that we cannot hope to accomplish by labor and perseverance. But the first must be earnest and the second unremitting. Robert E. Lee
The war was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forbearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.
I am as willing to serve now as in the beginning in any capacity and at any post where I can do good. The lower the position, the more suitable to my ability and the more agreeable to my feelings. Robert E. Lee
The doctrines & miracles of our Saviour have required nearly two thousand years to convert but a small part of the human race, and even among Christian nations, what gross errors still exist!
I consider the proper education of our youths one of the most important objects now to be attained and one from which the greatest benefits may be expected. Robert E. Lee
If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot: You will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.
There is always hazard in military activity, but we must decide between the positive loss of inactivity and the risk of action. Robert E. Lee
Say just what you mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted you mean to do right.
If we do not do this our churches will lighthouses without light, wells without water, dumb witnesses, sleeping watchmen, silent trumpets, messengers without tidings, a comfort for infidels, jubilant joys to the devil, and an offense to God. 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.
Show me a shouter, and I’ll show you an also ran. A might have been, an almost was. Robert E. Lee
A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.
I have never witnes
For I consider the character of no man affected by a want of success, provided sed on any previous occasion such entire disregard of the usage of civilized warfare and the dictates of humanity. 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.
You cannot barter manhood for peace. Robert E. Lee
Abandon your animosities and make your sons Americans!he has made an honest effort to succeed. Robert E. Lee
Act with a determination not to be turned aside by thoughts of the past and fears of the future.
Lee assesses a subordinate commander as “all lion; no fox. Robert E. Lee
Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans!
We must forgive our enemies. Robert E. Lee
All I ever wanted was a Virginia farm, no end of cream and fresh butter and fried chicken not one fried chicken, or two, but unlimited fried chicken.
Any victory would be dear at such a price. Robert E. Lee
All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away by standing still
Duty is the sublimest work in the English language. Robert E. Lee
All that the South has ever desired was that the Union, as established by our forefathers, should be preserved, and that the government as originally organized should be administered in purity and truth.
You have only always to do what is right. It will become easier by practice, and you enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience. Robert E. Lee
Do your duty in all things, like the old Puritan. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.
We have fought this fight as long, and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. For us as a Christian people, there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation. Robert E. Lee
Duty, then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.
We must look to the rising generation for the restoration of the country. Robert E. Lee
Everyone should do all in his power to collect and disseminate the truth, in the hope that it may find a place in history and descend to posterity. History is not the relation of campaigns and battles and generals or other individuals, but that which shows the principles for which the South contended and which justified her struggle for those principles.
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
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
We must enlist our own snake and strike like a cobra against their vitals with an attack on Washington. Robert E. Lee
Go home all you boys who fought with me and help build up the shattered fortunes of our old state
The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy. Robert E. Lee
I am A man, not a sponge! If god wished a sponge to think, A SPONGE WOULD THINK!
Keep steady in the view of the great principles for which you contend. The safety of your homes and the lives of all you hold dear depend upon your courage and exertions. Let each man resolve to be victorious, and that the right of self government, liberty and peace shall find him a defender. Robert E. Lee
I am of the opinion that all who can should vote for the most intelligent, honest, and conscientious men eligible to office, irrespective of former party opinions, who will endeavor to make the new constitutions and the laws passed under them as beneficial as possible to the true interests, prosperity, and liberty of all classes and conditions of the people.
Lee tells his troops. After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. Robert E. Lee
I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony.
I will attack no matter what and win the war! Robert E. Lee
I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation.
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
I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
But what a cruel thing is war to separate and destroy families and friends.
Robert E. Lee
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
You see what a poor sinner I am, and how unworthy to possess what was given me; for that reason it has been taken away. Robert E. Lee
I consider the proper education of our youths one of the most important objects now to be attained and one from which the greatest benefits may be expected.
Postal officials say that before Christmas they receive tons of letters written to Santa Claus, but after Christmas how few letters of thanks are sent to him! From childhood onward, human beings seem to be characterized by thanklessness. Robert E. Lee
I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor.
Act with a determination not to be turned aside by thoughts of the past and fears of the future. Robert E. Lee
I have always observed that wherever you find the negro, everything is going down around him, and wherever you find the white man, you see everything around him improving.
Go home all you boys who fought with me and help build up the shattered fortunes of our old state. 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.
The devil’s name is dullness. Robert E. Lee
I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and I have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.
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
I have thought from the time of the cessation of the hostilities, that silence and patience on the part of the South was the true course; and I think so still. Controversy of all kinds will, in my opinion, only serve to continue excitement and passion, and will prevent the public mind from the acknowledgement and acceptance of the truth.
We made a great mistake in the beginning of our struggle, and I fear, in spite of all we can do, it will prove to be a fatal mistake. We appointed all our worst generals to command our armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers
I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.
Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage 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.
Abandon your animosities and make your sons Americans! Robert E. Lee
If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot: You will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.
If you have any fault to find with anyone, tell him, not others, of what you complain; there is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man’s face and another behind his back.
Our country demands all our strength, all our energies. To resist the powerful combination now forming against us will require every man at his place. If victorious, we will have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated, nothing will be left for us to live for. Robert E. Lee
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation. 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.
Let us go home and cultivate our virtues. Robert E. Lee
It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.
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
It is good that war is so terrible, or we should become too fond of it.
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing. Robert E. Lee
It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.
We must forgive our enemies. I can truly say that not a day has passed since the war began that I have not prayed for them. Robert E. Lee
It’s the loneliest feeling in the world to find yourself standing up when everybody else is sitting down. To have everybody look at you and say, ‘What’s the matter with him?’ I know. I know what it feels like. Walking down an empty street, listening to the sound of your own footsteps. Shutters closed, blinds drawn, doors locked against you. And you aren’t sure whether you’re walking toward something, or if you’re just walking away.
