Quote

There is always hazard in military activity, but we must decide between the positive loss of inactivity and the risk of action.

Robert E. Lee

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Robert E. Lee
Age: 63 †
Born: 1807
Born: January 19
Died: 1870
Died: October 12
Military Officer
Slaveholder
Robert Edward Lee
General Lee
General R. E. Lee
General Robert E. Lee
Robert E.
General Lee
Robert E Lee
R. E. Lee
Gen. Robert Edward Lee
Must
Hazards
Always
Decide
Activity
Positive
Loss
Military
Risk
Inactivity
Action
Hazard

More quotes by Robert E. Lee

Image
We have but one rule here, and that is that every student must be a gentleman.
Robert E. Lee
Image
As a general principle you should not force young men to do their duty, but let them do it voluntarily and thereby develop their characters.
Robert E. Lee
Image
To be a good soldier, you must love the army. To be a good commander, you must be willing to order the death of the thing you love.
Robert E. Lee
Image
The questions which for years were in dispute between the State and General Government, and which unhappily were not decided by the dictates of reason, but referred to the decision of war, having been decided against us, it is the part of wisdom to acquiesce in the result, and of candor to recognize the fact.
Robert E. Lee
Image
It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.
Robert E. Lee
Image
All that the South has ever desired was that the Union, as established by our forefathers, should be preserved, and that the government as originally organized should be administered in purity and truth.
Robert E. Lee
Image
You cannot barter manhood for peace.
Robert E. Lee
Image
The trite saying that 'honesty is the best policy' has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The seems to be true. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
Robert E. Lee
Image
I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor.
Robert E. Lee
Image
So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained.
Robert E. Lee
Image
We must...submit ourselves in adversity to the will of a merciful God as cheerfully as in prosperity.
Robert E. Lee
Image
My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health.
Robert E. Lee
Image
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
Robert E. Lee
Image
I was too weak to defend, so I attacked
Robert E. Lee
Image
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
Image
The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it.
Robert E. Lee
Image
Duty is the sublimest work in the English language.
Robert E. Lee
Image
If we do not do this our churches will lighthouses without light, wells without water, dumb witnesses, sleeping watchmen, silent trumpets, messengers without tidings, a comfort for infidels, jubilant joys to the devil, and an offense to God.
Robert E. Lee
Image
The dominant party cannot reign forever, and truth and justice will prevail at last.
Robert E. Lee
Image
I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
Robert E. Lee