HISTORY

More Quotes Showing Why U.S. Grant Was Such an Inspirational Leader

“Grant is my man and I am his the rest of the war” — Abraham Lincoln

General U.S. Grant at Cold Harbor. Library of Congress. This photo has hung in my various offices 30+ years.

U. S. Grant has been one of my inspirational heroes for more than three decades. His initiative, decisiveness, humility, purposefulness and strength of character make him an example for all of us.

I find this opening statement in the Preface of his Personal Memoirs to be keenly prescient: “Man proposes and God disposes.” There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice. — U.S. Grant

Here are some additional quotes that reveal who he was and why he was a great leader.

“Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do.” — U.S. Grant

“The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.”