10) ‘The Object of War Is Not to Die for Your Country but to Make the Other Bastard Die for His’
This is one of Patton’s most famous quotes. It’s even featured in the opening monologue in the movie Patton, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1970 (as well as six more Oscars). I am choosing to place it here at number 10 not because it’s not as famous as others, but because most people will never have that experience. Yet, it is worth putting on the list and starting off strong.
The profound wisdom in this quote is found in its simplicity. Patton’s point is to ensure people take measures not to die, rather than taking too much to heart the idea of dying for one’s country.
Sound like anyone we know today?
9) ‘By Perseverance, Study, and Eternal Desire, Any Man Can Become Great’
The ninth and the eighth quotes of General Patton are related.
8) ‘If a Man Does His Best, What Else Is There?’
In today’s increasingly collectivist society, one where personal responsibility and ownership are more and more lacking, this is a valuable lesson. We see too often blame being cast upon other groups, and one’s personal failures or lack of success being placed on flaws in society.
This is part of the great promise in this country, that every man and woman, can become great. The potential exists. Don’t let anyone take that away from you or tell you otherwise.
7) ‘I Don’t Measure a Man’s Success by How High He Climbs but How High He Bounces When He Hits Bottom’
While we’re at it, let’s continue riffing on that theme.
Everyone experiences failure. It’s as much a part of life as breathing. Most people probably will experience more failures than success, even once they’ve reached success. Many of us have had dark times and dark moments in life.
Like many other people, and many other veterans, I’ve had dark low moments. Yet, the stronger lessons and memories for me have not been the low points. Rather, it’s the bouncing back. And this makes it poignant. There is victory in the climb.
6) ‘When There Is Fear of Failure, There Will Be Failure’
Therefore, never be afraid to fail.
Don’t attract failure. Don’t give it any weight. It’s going to happen. For sure, at some moment, it’s coming. Whether in combat or in life, you will see it. Know it, and then forget it. Just go for it.
5) ‘Never Tell People How to Do Things. Tell Them What to Do and They Will Surprise You With Their Ingenuity’
The above is one of my favorite quotes from my military days and one I use every day in Corporate America™ for my teams, as well.
It benefits me at work, every single day. No leader can be successful without a successful team. No team will be successful without good people. Put those good people in place, and then trust them — and allow them — to do their job.
4) ‘Do Not Try to Make Circumstances Fit Your Plans. Make Plans That Fit the Circumstances’
Adapt or die. Failure to adapt kills teams on the battlefield and in the business world. Many people and companies are so stuck and set in their ways, all they can see is where they’ve been or where they are. I work for one of the biggest and most interesting companies in the world. I am constantly surprised at the lack of innovation and how slow they are at adapting at the tactical level. It’s like turning a battleship. Or worse. It’s slow and painful. My always wise and grumpy drill sergeant would tell us, “Maintain a rigid state of flexibility.”
3) ‘A Good Plan Violently Executed Now Is Better Than a Perfect Plan Executed Next Week’
Sometimes, we don’t have the luxury of time. Or time to make the perfect plan — even if the perfect plan could even exist.
2) ‘Lead Me, Follow Me, or Get Out of My Way’
I put this quote at number two even though it could easily be at number one. It speaks perfectly and accurately to the psyche and personality of General Patton. This mentality is how he helped to shape and win a war and save an entire continent. It is the recipe for success.
1) ‘Moral Courage Is the Most Valuable and Usually the Most Absent Characteristic in Men’
Here we are at number one. Why did I choose this quote as the number one, in the top 10 quotes by General Patton? Is it the most famous? Is it the most inspirational on the battlefield? Not necessarily. I chose it because it’s powerful and true.
The absence of moral courage is killing us in the world today.
Society is becoming more and more bankrupt of people with moral courage. This applies on a national scale. Patton saw it then, and many of us see it today. As it gets worse, we need the reminder.
Patton also said, “Courage is fear holding on a little longer.” Be courageous. Be morally courageous.
We should strive to win this battle of life. Don’t quit; don’t give up. “Make the other poor, dumb bastard” be the one to lose.
Battlefield Wisdom™ is the best wisdom.
COMMENTS