So as through a glass and darkly_x000D_ The age long strife I see_x000D_ Where I fought in many guises,_x000D_ Many names - but always me.
George S. PattonRead
Sir, I am not a brave man...The truth is, I am an utter craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True courage is acknowledging one's fears, not the absence of fear itself.
In this quote, General George S. Patton expresses his profound honesty about his own feelings towards battle. He admits to being terrified rather than showcasing a facade of bravery. This highlights the concept that real courage is often about recognizing and accepting one's fears rather than pretending they don't exist. It serves as a reminder that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to act despite it.
Themes
CourageFearBraveryHonestyMilitaryBattle
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of honesty about one's fears.
More from George S. Patton
All quotes →A man must know his destiny… if he does not recognize it, then he is lost. By this I mean, once, twice, or at the very most, three times, fate will reach out and tap a man on the shoulder… if he has the imagination, he will turn around and fate will point out to him what fork in the road he should take, if he has the guts, he will take it.
George S. PattonRead
There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time.
George S. PattonRead
The fixed determination to have acquired the warrior soul, to either conquer or perish with honor, is the secret of victory.
George S. PattonRead
I am the best damn ass-kicker in the whole U.S. Army!
George S. PattonRead
Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit the circumstances.
George S. PattonRead
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