Robert E. Lee

The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.

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.

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

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.

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.

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances

My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.