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
A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword on none.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a belief that true unity cannot be forcefully maintained and emphasizes the importance of shared experiences over violence.
In this quote, Robert E. Lee articulates his preference for a Union based on genuine connection and mutual respect rather than one sustained through coercion or military might. He highlights his loyalty to his home state and the shared struggles of his people, suggesting that if the Union collapses, he would choose to endure hardships with them instead of fighting for a cause he doesn't believe in. This reflects a philosophical standpoint on the nature of true loyalty and the moral implications of using violence to uphold authority.
Themes
UnionViolenceLoyaltyUnderstandingPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for peaceful resolution, one might insert this quote to emphasize non-violent unity.
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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