George S. Patton Quotes

“There is no such thing as a successful defense.”

“If we take the generally accepted definition of bravery as a quality which knows no fear, I have never seen a brave man. All men are frightened. The more intelligent they are, the more they are frightened.”

“If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.”

“If you go into a battle, it's better to win the first time.”

“Each man must not think only of himself, but also of his buddy fighting beside him. We don't want yellow cowards in this Army. They should be killed off like rats. If not, they will go home after this war and breed more cowards. The brave men will breed more brave men. Kill off the Goddamned cowards and we will have a nation of brave men.”

“Be willing to make decisions. That's the most important quality in a good leader.”

“Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage.”

“You must do your damdest and win.”

“I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed! Gen.”

“The duties of an officer are the safety, honor, and welfare of your country first; the honor, welfare, and comfort of the men in your command second; and the officer s own ease, comfort, and safety last.”

“Success in war depends upon the golden rule of war.”

“Go forward until the last round is fired and the last drop of gas is expended...then go forward on foot!”

“Close the playand keep the store open nights.”

“Perpetual peace is a futile dream.”

“If everybody's thinking the same thing, then nobody's thinking.”

“Battle... brings out all that is best.”

“There is only one sort of discipline, perfect discipline.”

“So let us do real fighting, boring in and gouging, biting.”

“It is absurd to believe that soldiers who cannot be made to wear the proper uniform can be induced to move forward in battle. Officers who fail to perform their duty by correcting small violations and in enforcing proper conduct are incapable of leading.”

“The courageous man is the man who forces himself, in spite of his fear, to carry on.”

“An incessant change of means to attain unalterable ends is always going on; we must take care not to let these sundry means undo eminence in the perspective of our minds; for, since the beginning, there has been an unending cycle of them, and for each its advocates have claimed adoption as the sole solution of successful war.”

“Death can be more exciting than life.”

“Always do more than is required of you.”

“Make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up.”

“When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead!”