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There is one unalterable difference between a soldier and a civilian: the civilian never does more than he is paid to do.

Erwin Rommel

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Erwin Rommel
Age: 52 †
Born: 1891
Born: November 15
Died: 1944
Died: October 14
Military Officer
Resistance Fighter
Soldier
Heidenheim/Brenz
Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel
Desert Fox
Wüstenfuchs
Never
Unalterable
Civilian
Civilians
Soldier
Paid
Difference
Differences
Doe

More quotes by Erwin Rommel

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One of the most important factors, not only in military matters but in life as a whole, is ... the ability to direct one's whole energies towards the fulfillment of a particular task.
Erwin Rommel
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A risk is a chance you take if it fails you can recover. A gamble is a chance taken if it fails, recovery is impossible.
Erwin Rommel
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In Tunisia the Americans had to pay a stiff price for their experience, but it brought rich dividends. Even at that time, the American generals showed themselves to be very advanced in the tactical handling of their forces, although we had to wait until the Patton Army in France to see the most astonishing achievements in mobile warfare.
Erwin Rommel
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I would rather be the hammer than the anvil
Erwin Rommel
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One cannot permit unique opportunities to slip by for the sake of trifles.
Erwin Rommel
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To every man of us, Tobruk was a symbol of British resistance and we were now going to finish with it for good.
Erwin Rommel
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It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
Erwin Rommel
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When there's no clear option, it's better to do nothing.
Erwin Rommel
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Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.
Erwin Rommel
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The best form of welfare for the troops is first-rate training.
Erwin Rommel
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In view of my services in Africa, I have the chance of dying by poison. Two generals have brought it with them. It is fatal in three seconds. If I take the poison, none of the usual steps will be taken against my family that is, against you. They will also leave my staff alone.
Erwin Rommel
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Messages can't be intercepted if they aren't sent, can they?
Erwin Rommel
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Anyone who has to fight, even with the most modern weapons, against an enemy in complete command of the air, fights like a savage against modern European troops, under the same handicaps and with the same chances of success.
Erwin Rommel
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The organization of supplies, the command of men, anything in any way constructive requires more than intellect it requires energy and drive and an unrelenting will to serve the cause, regardless of one's personal interests.
Erwin Rommel
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I would rather he had given me one more division
Erwin Rommel
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One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
Erwin Rommel
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If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it.
Erwin Rommel
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Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning.
Erwin Rommel
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But courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.
Erwin Rommel
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For me, soldiers are all equal. Those black people wore your same uniform, fought on your side, and so you will be in the same jail.
Erwin Rommel