Robert E. Lee's Quotes

Let the tent be struck.

The devil's name is dullness.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it.

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.

Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.

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

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

Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.

This war is not about slavery.

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

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

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.

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

A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.

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

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.

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.