If there's ever an example that military power alone cannot be successful in Afghanistan, I think it was the Soviet experience.
Robert M. GatesRead
There is no international problem that can be addressed or solved without the engagement and leadership of the United States and everybody in the world knows that, its just fact of life. So sometimes I think we could conduct ourselves with a little more humility.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The U.S. plays a crucial role in tackling global issues, and humility in leadership can enhance its effectiveness.
Robert M. Gates emphasizes the significant responsibility the United States holds in addressing international challenges. He suggests that while the U.S. is often looked to for leadership, there should be a recognition of the need for humility in its approach, which can foster better collaboration with other countries and lead to more effective solutions on a global scale.
Themes
LeadershipHumilityInternationalProblemsEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of the United States in global diplomacy.
More from Robert M. Gates
All quotes →In my opinion, any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should 'have his head examined,' as General MacArthur so delicately put it.
Robert M. GatesRead
No president is well-served by groupthink or by everybody singing from the same sheet of music they think he's on.
Robert M. GatesRead
I will always be an advocate in terms of wars of necessity. I am just much more cautious on wars of choice.
Robert M. GatesRead
I've been very sensitive for a long time to the repeated pattern, during economic hard times or after a war, of the United States' essentially unilaterally disarming.
Robert M. GatesRead
If Iraq and Afghanistan have taught us anything in recent history, it is the unpredictability of war and that these things are easier to get into than to get out of, and, frankly, the facile way in which too many people talk about, 'Well, let's just go attack them.'
Robert M. GatesRead
Similar quotes
Once more, I am watching the most powerful men in the kingdom bring their power to bear on a woman who has done nothing worse than live to the beat of her own heart, see with her own eyes; but this is not their tempo nor their vision and they cannot tolerate any other.
Philippa GregoryRead
To be a great leader, you firstly have to like people. If you don't like people, at the end of the day they will figure this out and you can't lead them too well.
Leonard LauderRead
It is the responsibility of leadership and management to give opportunities and put demands on people which enable them to grow as human beings in their work environment.
John Harvey-JonesRead
Responsibility is a unique concept... You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished. You may delegate it, but it is still with you... If responsibility is rightfully yours, no evasion, or ignorance or passing the blame can shift the burden to someone else. Unless you can point your finger at the man who is responsible when something goes wrong, then you have never had anyone really responsible.
Hyman RickoverRead
If a President of the United States ever lied to the American people, he should resign.
William J. ClintonRead
Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.
Sun TzuRead