There could be no honor in a sure success, but much might be wrested from a sure defeat.
—T. E. Lawrence
Topics: Difficulties, Adversity, Risk, Gardening, Success
This death’s livery which walled its bearers from ordinary life was sign that they have sold their wills and bodies to the State: and contracted themselves into a service not the less abject for that its beginning was voluntary.
—T. E. Lawrence
The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shockproof shit detector. This is the writer’s radar and all great writers have had it.
—T. E. Lawrence
Topics: Defeat
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals.
—T. E. Lawrence
The printing press is the greatest weapon in the armoury of the modern commander.
—T. E. Lawrence
All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.
—T. E. Lawrence
Topics: Dreams, Anger, Goals, Risk
To have news value is to have a tin can tied to one’s tail.
—T. E. Lawrence
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Norman MacEwen British Military Leader
Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell Founder of the Boy Scouts
George S. Patton American Military Leader
Colin Powell American Military Leader
Sun Tzu Chinese Military Leader
H. Norman Schwarzkopf American Military Leader
Robert S. Johnson American Military Leader
Eddie Rickenbacker American Aviator
Hyman G. Rickover American Admiral
Eric Shinseki American Army Officer