Quotes by General Robert E. Lee

A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.
– General Robert E. Lee
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.
– General Robert E. Lee
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
– General Robert E. Lee
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
– General Robert E. Lee
Let the tent be struck.
– General Robert E. Lee
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.
– General Robert E. Lee
Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.
– General Robert E. Lee
The devil's name is dullness.
– General Robert E. Lee
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
– General Robert E. Lee
The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.
– General Robert E. Lee
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
– General Robert E. Lee
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.
– General Robert E. Lee
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.
– General Robert E. Lee
Whiskey - I like it, I always did, and that is the reason I never use it.
– General Robert E. Lee
Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.
– General Robert E. Lee
It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.
– General Robert E. Lee
We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.
– General Robert E. Lee
This war is not about slavery.
– General Robert E. Lee
The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
– General Robert E. Lee
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
– General Robert E. Lee
It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.
– General Robert E. Lee
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.
– General Robert E. Lee
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
– General Robert E. Lee
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
– General Robert E. Lee