General George Patton Quotes

A collection of quotes by General George Patton.

General George Patton (1885-1945) was a renowned military leader and one of the most skilled American commanders during World War II. Known for his aggressive and charismatic personality, Patton played a vital role in several major campaigns and battles, including the North African campaign and the invasion of Sicily. His leadership of the Third Army during the pursuit of German forces across France was instrumental in the Allied victory. Patton's leadership qualities, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination earned him a legendary status in military history. He tragically died in December 1945 due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.

A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.

General George Patton

Work

There's only one proper way for a professional soldier to di

There's only one proper way for a professional soldier to die. That's from the last bullet, of the last battle, of the last war.

General George Patton

War

Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human

Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base.

General George Patton

War

Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle f

Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage.

General George Patton

Running

If everyone is thinking alike then somebody isn't thinking.

If everyone is thinking alike then somebody isn't thinking.

General George Patton

Thought

If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.

If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.

General George Patton

Duty

It is certain that the two World Wars in which I have partic

It is certain that the two World Wars in which I have participated would not have occurred had we been prepared. It is my belief that adequate preparation on our part would have prevented or materially shortened all our other wars beginning with that of 1812. Yet, after each of our wars, there has always been a great hue and cry to the effect that there will be no more wars, that disarmament is the sure road to health, happiness, and peace; and that by removing the fire department, we will remove fires. These ideas spring from wishful thinking and from the erroneous belief that wars result from logical processes. There is no logic in wars. They are produced by madmen. No man can say when future madmen will reappear. I do not say that there will be no more wars; I devoutly hope that there will not, but I do say that the chances of avoiding future wars will be greatly enhanced if we are ready.

General George Patton

War

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.

General George Patton

Will Willpower

Always do more than is required of you.

Always do more than is required of you.

General George Patton

Service

The most vital quality a soldier can possess is self-confide

The most vital quality a soldier can possess is self-confidence.

General George Patton

Confidence

I do not fear failure. I only fear the slowing up of the eng

I do not fear failure. I only fear the slowing up of the engine inside of me which is pounding, saying, Keep going, someone must be on top, why not you?

General George Patton

Mistakes

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.

General George Patton

Order

Accept the challenges, so you may feel the exhilaration of v

Accept the challenges, so you may feel the exhilaration of victory.

General George Patton

Challenges

A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

General George Patton

Planning

A good plan violently executed right now is far better than

A good plan violently executed right now is far better than a perfect plan executed next week.

General George Patton

Planning

Take calculated risks. This is quite different from being ra

Take calculated risks. This is quite different from being rash.

General George Patton

Risk

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.

General George Patton

Military

Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and

Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.

General George Patton

Leadership

We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, fol

We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.

General George Patton

Leadership

There is a time to take counsel of your fears, and there is

There is a time to take counsel of your fears, and there is a time to never listen to your fear.

General George Patton

Fear