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.
Robert E. LeeRead
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
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the poor decisions made in leadership roles, particularly in selecting commanders for battle and the impact of those decisions on the outcome of a struggle.
Robert E. Lee's quote criticizes the initial choices made during a struggle, suggesting that appointing incompetent leaders to strategic positions can lead to disastrous consequences. By emphasizing the irony of having capable leaders in non-strategic roles, he highlights the importance of effective leadership in achieving success.
Themes
LeadershipMistakesStrategyGeneralDecisionsOutcome
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of strong leadership in organizations.
More from Robert E. Lee
All quotes →Life Insurance trusts I consider sacred. To hazard the property of the dead & to lose the scanty earnings of fathers & husbands, who have toiled & saved that they may leave something to their families deprived of their care & the support of their labour, is to my mind the worst of crimes.
Robert E. LeeRead
It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.
Robert E. LeeRead
So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained.
Robert E. LeeRead
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. LeeRead
With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army.
Robert E. LeeRead
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