Quotes from Robert E. Lee

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

We cannot afford to be idle, and though weaker than our opponents in men and military equipments, must endeavor to harass, if we cannot destroy them.

For I consider the character of no man affected by a want of success, provided he has made an honest effort to succeed.

A man may manifest and communicate his joy, but he should conceal and smother his grief as much as possible.

Without music, we wouldn't have an Army.

True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels them the desire to do right is precisely the same.

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.

I pray that on this day [Christmas] when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind, better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace.

We should live, act, and say nothing to the injury of anyone. It is not only best as a matter of principle, but it is the path to peace and honor.

There is always hazard in military activity, but we must decide between the positive loss of inactivity and the risk of action.

What a glorious world Almighty God has given us. How thankless and ungrateful we are, and how we labor to mar his gifts.

I believe I may so, looking into my own heart, and speaking as in the presence of God, that I have never know one moment of bitterness or resentment.

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

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

A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.

The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it.

Go home all you boys who fought with me and help build up the shattered fortunes of our old state

Let us go home and cultivate our virtues.

You must study to be frank with the world: frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted that you mean to do right.

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.

You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage.

There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done--the honor of the integrity of principle.

Let danger never turn you aside from the pursuit of honor or the service to your country ... Know that death is inevitable and the fame of virtue is immortal

There is scarcely anything that is right that we cannot hope to accomplish by labor and perseverance. But the first must be earnest and the second unremitting.