We've learned how to destroy, but not to create; how to waste, but not to build; how to kill men, but not how to save them; how to die, but seldom how to live.
Omar N. BradleyRead
I am convinced that the best service a retired general can perform is to turn in his tongue along with his suit and to mothball his opinions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Retired generals should refrain from sharing their opinions publicly to avoid influencing current affairs.
Omar N. Bradley's quote suggests that once a military leader retires, they should step back from public discourse, especially regarding their opinions on military and political matters. This implies that retired leaders may be less informed about the current situation and that their views could wrongly influence the ongoing strategies and decisions made by active leaders.
Themes
LeadershipRetirementOpinionsInfluenceStrategy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about military strategy, one might quote Bradley to emphasize the importance of current active leaders maintaining authority.
More from Omar N. Bradley
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Wars can be prevented just as surely as they can be provoked, and we who fail to prevent them must share the guilt for the dead.
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The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness.
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We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.
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We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living.
Omar N. BradleyRead
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