Quotes By Robert E. Lee

The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.

The devil's name is dullness.

It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it.

The education of a man is never completed until he dies.

I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.

Let the tent be struck.

What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.

Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.

A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

Whiskey - I like it, I always did, and that is the reason I never use it.

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.

This war is not about slavery.

Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.

My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.

We have fought this fight as long, and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. For us as a Christian people, there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation.

We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.

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.

I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.

I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.

In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.

Duty, then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.