Duty is the sublimest word in the language. You can never do more than your duty. You should never wish to do less. Robert E. Lee More Quotes by Robert E. Lee More Quotes From Robert E. Lee 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. Robert E. Lee patriotismdesiremen Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans! Robert E. Lee alabamasoldierwar Act with a determination not to be turned aside by thoughts of the past and fears of the future. Robert E. Lee perseverancedeterminationpast I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it. Robert E. Lee scotch-whiskyalcoholdrinking I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving. Robert E. Lee aggravationarmywar Marry...into a family that will enable your children to feel proud of both sides of the house. Robert E. Lee marriagehousechildren There are things in the Old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible Word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Robert E. Lee teachingmaybook I was too weak to defend, so I attacked Robert E. Lee weak It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it. Robert E. Lee horriblemightwar 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. Robert E. Lee hopelifecountry Wisdom is nothing more than healed pain. Robert E. Lee love-painpainwisdom Keep steady in the view of the great principles for which you contend. The safety of your homes and the lives of all you hold dear depend upon your courage and exertions. Let each man resolve to be victorious, and that the right of self government, liberty and peace shall find him a defender. Robert E. Lee homemenwar The education of a man is never completed until he dies. Robert E. Lee learningteachingeducation We have fought this fight as long, and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. For us as a Christian people, there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation. Robert E. Lee fightingchristianlong I have thought from the time of the cessation of the hostilities, that silence and patience on the part of the South was the true course; and I think so still. Controversy of all kinds will, in my opinion, only serve to continue excitement and passion, and will prevent the public mind from the acknowledgement and acceptance of the truth. Robert E. Lee passionacceptancewar Why, it appears that we appointed all of our worst generals to command the armies and we appointed all of our best generals to edit the newspapers. I mean, I found by reading a newspaper that these editor generals saw all of the defects plainly from the start but didn't tell me until it was too late. I'm willing to yield my place to these best generals and I'll do my best for the cause by editing a newspaper. Robert E. Lee armyreadingmean Postal officials say that before Christmas they receive tons of letters written to Santa Claus, but after Christmas how few letters of thanks are sent to him! From childhood onward, human beings seem to be characterized by thanklessness. Robert E. Lee santagratitudechildhood Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one. Robert E. Lee bullyinginspirationalfriendship I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor. Robert E. Lee dishonortakenwar What a beautiful world God, in His loving kindness to His creatures, has given us! What a shame that men endowed with reason and knowledge of right should mar His gifts. Robert E. Lee kindnessbeautifulwar
