I would rather have a lucky general than a smart general.... They win battles, and they make me lucky.
Interpretation
Luck can be more valuable than intelligence in achieving success.
This quote emphasizes the idea that while intelligence and strategy are important, sometimes luck plays a crucial role in success, especially in challenging situations such as battles. Eisenhower suggests that a fortunate leader can lead to more favorable outcomes and victories, highlighting the unpredictable nature of success in competitive environments.
In practice
In a speech about leadership strategy at a military event.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
I couldn't find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.
When you do more than you're paid for eventually you'll be paid for more than you do.
When you're building a business, you want to focus and deliver excellence at what you do. This simply cannot be done when you are launching multiple ventures, dozens of new products, and selling everywhere and anywhere at the same time.
Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart and success will come to you.
I never learned how to tune a harp, or play upon a lute; but I know how to raise a small and obscure city to glory and greatness...whereto all kindreds of the earth will pilgrim.
A startup is the largest endeavor over which you can have definite mastery. You can have agency not just over your own life, but over a small and important part of the world. It begins by rejecting the unjust tyranny of Chance. You are not a lottery ticket.
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