I’m going to start my list of the 10 best General Patton quotes by cheating and give you all a gift:

“It is stupid and wrong to mourn men who have died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.

The whole world should thank God that George Patton lived. The whole world is better off for it.

We need more people like Patton. The world and our country need more men like him. I always believed he was one of those people in the history of the world who was absolutely born for a cause; and he found this cause. He existed in history at the most perfect moment; he was exactly what the world needed right now.

While Patton was forged and built for war, his wisdom on the battlefield is still applicable to all of us today. His colorful language and salty demeanor testify to his honesty and authenticity. We also need more of this these days.

Those of us who have served in the United States Army will always have a special place in our hearts for General Patton. And those who have never served will also get powerful insight and advice from his quotes for all that life brings.

Here’s another awesome gift for our Civilian Brothers in Arms, fed up with Corporate America â„¢:

“If everyone thinks the same, then no one thinks. “

Remind everyone at your next staff meeting when everyone is congratulating themselves on their next stupid idea, totally devoid of any creativity. Especially when everyone is afraid to speak.

Top 10 quotes from General Patton

There are hundreds of quotes attributed to Patton. Reducing them is not an easy task. From hilarious to vulgar to deep, there are certainly plenty of awesome quotes to choose from. While most people will never find themselves on the battlefield, the wisdom of these quotes is sure to inspire everyone, regardless of profession. We need this inspiration more than ever.

10) “The goal of war is not to die for your country but to kill the other bastard for his”

This is one of Patton’s most famous quotes. He’s even featured in the film’s opening monologue. Patton, which won an Oscar for Best Picture in 1970 (along with six other Oscars). I choose to place him here at number 10 not because he’s not as famous as the others, but because most people will never have that experience. Still, it’s worth getting on the list and starting strong.

The deep wisdom of this quote is in its simplicity. Patton’s point is to make sure people take action not to die, rather than taking the idea of ​​dying too seriously for his country.

Does this sound like someone we know today?

Read more : He saved General Patton’s life but was later snubbed by him

9) “By perseverance, study and eternal desire, any man can become great”

General Patton’s ninth and eighth quotes are related.

8) “If a man is doing his best, what else is there? “

In today’s increasingly collectivist society, where personal responsibility and property are increasingly lacking, this is a valuable lesson. Too often we see the blame being placed on other groups, and a person’s personal failures or unsuccessfulness blamed on the flaws in society.

This is part of the great promise of this country, that every man and woman can become great. The potential is there. 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 keep riffing on this theme.

Everyone knows failure. It is as much a part of life as breathing. Most people are likely to experience more failures than successes, even after they achieve success. Many of us have had dark times and dark times in life.

Like a lot of other people, and a lot of other veterans, I had some dark times. Yet the strongest lessons and memories for me have not been the weakest points. Rather, it’s the rebound. And that makes it poignant. There is victory in the climb.

6) “When there is the fear of failure, there will be failure”

Therefore, never be afraid to fail.

Don’t attract failure. Don’t give it any weight. It will happen. Sure, at some point it does. Whether in combat or in life, you will see it. Know it, then forget it. 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 years and one that I also use every day in Corporate America â„¢ for my teams.

It benefits me at work, every day. No leader can be successful without a strong team. No team will be successful without the right people. Put these good people in place, then trust them – and let them – do their job.

4) ‘Don’t try to make the circumstances match your plans. Make plans appropriate to the circumstances’

Adapt or die. Lack of adaptation kills teams on the battlefield and in the business world. A lot of people and businesses are so stuck and entrenched 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 the slowness with which they adapt at the tactical level. It’s like turning a battleship. Or worse. It’s slow and painful. My always wise and cranky drill sergeant would tell us, “Maintain a state of rigid flexibility. “

3) “A good plan executed violently 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 though the perfect plan might 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 precisely to the psyche and personality of General Patton. This mentality is how he helped shape and win a war and save an entire continent. This is the recipe for success.

1) “Moral courage is the most valuable characteristic and generally the most absent in men”

Here we are at number one. Why did I choose this quote as number one, in General Patton’s Top 10 Quotes? Is it the most famous? Is it the most inspiring on the battlefield? Not necessarily. I chose it because it is powerful and true.

Lack of moral courage is killing us in today’s world.

Society is increasingly bankrupt of people with moral courage. This applies nationally. Patton saw it then, and many of us see it today. As the situation worsens, we need the reminder.

Patton also said: “Courage is fear that lasts a little longer.” Be brave. Be morally courageous.

We must strive to win this battle of life. Do not abandon ; do not give up. “Make the other poor, stupid bastard” the only one to lose.

Battlefield Wisdom â„¢ is the best wisdom.