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

Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Fear, Perseverance, Bravery, Endurance, Resolve, Courage

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

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

I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight.
—George S. Patton
Topics: Soldiers

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Fear, Courage

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