Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by George S. Patton (American Military Leader)

George Patton (1885–1945,) fully George Smith Patton, Jr., was an American Army officer. An outstanding tactical commander of World War II, his leadership in the European and Mediterranean theatres were distinguished by boldness and inventive use of armor.

Born in San Gabriel, California, to a family with an extensive military background, Patton attended the Virginia Military Institute and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was highly athletic, as well as a remarkable fencer and equestrian.

Patton served as an aide to Gen. John J. Pershing during the army’s attempt to capture the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa 1916–17. Patton then accompanied Pershing to France in 1917 and became a specialist in tank warfare.

During World War II, Patton commanded the Western Task Forces, whose invasion of North Africa in 1942 led to the French surrender there in only three days. Patton gained quick victory after the Allied invasion of Sicily (1943.) He trained the U.S. 3rd Army to follow the Allies into France after D-Day (1944) and won praise for his boldness and surefootedness. Patton’s quick action in the Battle of the Bulge (1944–45) was instrumental in ending the Nazi offensive and led to his becoming a four-star general.

Patton’s strict discipline, toughness, and self-sacrifice elicited extraordinary pride within his ranks; he earned the nickname “Old Blood-and-Guts.” However, his brash actions and mercurial temper led to frequent controversies during his career. He was twice reprimanded by Dwight D. Eisenhower, who consequently elevated Omar Bradley, Patton’s immediate subordinate, to be Patton’s superior, and in command of the 12th U.S. Army Group for the pivotal invasion of Normandy.

An outspoken critic of the Soviets and the rapid denazification of postwar toward Germany, Patton failed as head of the occupation of Bavaria and was reassigned to command the 15th U.S. Army Group. He died from an automobile accident near Mannheim.

Patton’s autobiography, War as I Knew It, appeared posthumously in 1947.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by George S. Patton

If a man does his best, what else is there?
—George S. Patton
Topics: Effort, Best

A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Work

If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you’ll be amazed at the results.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Problem-solving, Motivation

If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Duty

Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage.
—George S. Patton

I would rather have a good plan today than a perfect plan two weeks from now.
—George S. Patton

Don’t fight a battle if you don’t gain anything by winning.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Battle, Winning

Always do more than is required of you.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Service

In 40 hours I shall be in battle, with little information, and on the spur of the moment will have to make the most momentous decisions. But I believe that one’s spirit enlarges with responsibility and that, with God’s help, I shall make them, and make them right.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Confidence, Assurance, Decisions

A civil servant is sometimes like a broken cannon – it won’t work and you can’t fire it.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Government

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Sports, Success

We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Leaders, Leadership

The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other bastard die for his.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Welfare, Goals, Simplicity

The fixed determination to have acquired the warrior soul, to either conquer or perish with honor, is the secret of victory.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Dedication, Commitment, Risk, Victory

Battle is an orgy of disorder.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Disorder

Never tell a man how to do something. Tell him what to do and let him surprise you with his ingenuity.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Accomplishment

I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Soldiers

Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle
—George S. Patton
Topics: Battle

Fatigue makes cowards of us all.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Work

Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality in a good leader.
—George S. Patton

Pressure makes diamonds.
—George S. Patton

There’s only one proper way for a professional soldier to die. That’s from the last bullet, of the last battle, of the last war.
—George S. Patton
Topics: War

I want you men to remember that no damn bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other damn bastard die for his country.
—George S. Patton

When a decision has to be made, make it. There is no totally right time for anything.
—George S. Patton

Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Morality

I do not fear failure. I only fear the “slowing up” of the engine inside of me which is pounding, saying, “Keep going, someone must be on top, why not you?”
—George S. Patton
Topics: Mistakes, Failure, Ambition

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
—George S. Patton

A good battle plan that you act on today can be better than a perfect one tomorrow
—George S. Patton
Topics: Battle

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Willpower, Enthusiasm, Will Power, Warfare, Commitment, Will, Dedication

Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn’t give a hoot and hell for a man who lost and laughed. That’s why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Americans

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