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

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

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

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

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.
George S. Patton

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

Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.
George S. Patton
Topics: Risk, Government

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: Risk, Victory, Commitment, Dedication

You need to overcome the tug of people against you as you reach for high goals.
George S. Patton
Topics: Goals

It is certain that the two World Wars in which I have participated would not have occurred had we been prepared. It is my belief that adequate preparation on our part would have prevented or materially shortened all our other wars beginning with that of 1812. Yet, after each of our wars, there has always been a great hue and cry to the effect that there will be no more wars, that disarmament is the sure road to health, happiness, and peace; and that by removing the fire department, we will remove fires. These ideas spring from wishful thinking and from the erroneous belief that wars result from logical processes. There is no logic in wars. They are produced by madmen. No man can say when future madmen will reappear. I do not say that there will be no more wars; I devoutly hope that there will not, but I do say that the chances of avoiding future wars will be greatly enhanced if we are ready.
George S. Patton
Topics: War

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

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

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

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

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.
George S. Patton
Topics: Fear, Courage

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

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: Dedication, Commitment, Willpower, Warfare, Will, Will Power, Enthusiasm

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

A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.
George S. Patton
Topics: Planning

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

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

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

Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base.
George S. Patton
Topics: War

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

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

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
George S. Patton
Topics: The Military

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

All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood.
George S. Patton
Topics: Courage, Fear

There is a time to take counsel of your fears, and there is a time to never listen to any fear.
George S. Patton
Topics: Fear, Anxiety

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

The most vital quality a soldier can possess is self-confidence, utter, complete and bumptious.
George S. Patton
Topics: Self Confidence, Soldiers, Confidence

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