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
Lee tells his troops. After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the bravery and resilience of the Army of Northern Virginia despite facing insurmountable challenges.
In this statement, Robert E. Lee acknowledges the dedicated and valiant efforts of his troops after a long and challenging service. It emphasizes the themes of courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity, recognizing that even the most determined can be compelled to yield under certain circumstances, highlighting the harsh realities of war and leadership.
Themes
CourageResiliencePerseveranceLeadershipAdversityWar
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech honoring veterans, this quote can illustrate the importance of courage in the battlefield.
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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