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Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
Robert E. Lee
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Respecting lawful authority builds strong character in individuals.

This quote by Robert E. Lee emphasizes the importance of respecting and following lawful authority as a fundamental aspect of developing a strong and virtuous character. It suggests that adherence to rules and guidelines cultivated by legitimate leadership is crucial for personal growth and for maintaining order within society.

Themes

ObedienceAuthorityCharacterLeadershipVirtue

In practice

Example use cases

In a graduation speech reflecting on values and ethics.

More from Robert E. Lee

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.
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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.
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It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.
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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.
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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.
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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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