Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1869 to 1877. Before his presidency, he was a prominent military commander who played a pivotal role in the Union victory during the American Civil War.
Grant’s leadership style was characterized by his calm and composed demeanor, his tenacity, and his unwavering commitment to his goals. In this article, we will explore 50+ Ulysses S. Grant quotes that showcase his wisdom, insight, and leadership style.
Who was Ulysses S. Grant?
Ulysses S. Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was the oldest of six children, and his family was of modest means. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1843, Grant served in the Mexican-American War and then held a series of unremarkable posts in the U.S. Army.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Military Career
Grant’s military career took off during the American Civil War. In 1861, he joined the Union Army as a colonel and quickly rose through the ranks. He won several key battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Vicksburg, and in 1864, he was appointed the supreme commander of the Union Army.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Presidency
After the end of the Civil War, Grant was widely popular and was elected President in 1868. During his two terms in office, he oversaw the Reconstruction of the South, worked to promote civil rights for African Americans, and strengthened the federal government’s power. Despite some controversies and scandals, Grant’s presidency is generally regarded as successful.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Leadership Style
Grant was known for his calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of great adversity. He was also highly tenacious and was willing to pursue his goals relentlessly. His leadership style was characterized by a focus on results and a willingness to take risks. Grant’s quotes provide valuable insights into his leadership philosophy.
You can also read John F. Kennedy’s Quotes
Ulysses S. Grant Quotes on Leadership
- “In war, anything is better than indecision.”
- “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.”
- “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”
- “I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.”
- “The leader of an army will do better service to the people by fighting his enemy than by remaining inactive.”
- “I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.”
- “I can see the elephant in the room and will do my best to meet it.”
- “The leader must know, must know that he knows, and must be able to make it abundantly clear to those around him that he knows.”
- “The most confident and successful leader is the one who has mastered the art of delegation.”
- “The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army.”
- “I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.”
- “The will of the people is the best law.”
- “If you see the President, tell him from me that whatever happens there will be no turning back.”
- “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who have helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”
- “There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.”
- “The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not to be swayed by petty doubts.”
- “The art of leadership is not to make things easy, but to make them possible.”
- “The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible today.”
- “The leader of an army or the head of a nation should look deep into the hearts of men under his command to learn what motivates them.”
- “The art of war is simple enough. But the simple things are the hardest.”
- “The key to success in any endeavor is hard work and determination.”
- “I know only two tunes: one of them is ‘Yankee Doodle’, and the other isn’t.”
- “I have made it a rule of my life to trust a man long after other people gave him up, but I don’t see how I can ever trust any human being again.”
- “I have never been in doubt since I was old enough to think intelligently that I would someday be made President of the United States.”
- “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.”
- “The will of the people is the best law, and one which I am sure will never be contradicted.”
- “The only sure way to avoid making mistakes is to have no new ideas.”
Read Also: 50+ Dark Quotes About Life That Will Help You Find The Light
Ulysses S. Grant’s Quotes on Persistence
- “The best way to relieve the present pressure is to give no overestimate to it.”
- “In every battle, there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten; then he who continues the attack wins.”
- “In every battle, there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten; then he who continues the attack wins.”
- “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.”
- “I know only two tunes. One of them is ‘Yankee Doodle,’ and the other isn’t.”
- “I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.”
- “The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of the oppression, if they are strong enough, either by withdrawal from it or by overthrowing it and substituting a government more acceptable.”
- “I have never been able to see the use of a standing army.”
- “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”
- “I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.”
- “In every battle, there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.”
- “The art of war is simple enough. But the simple things are the hardest.”
- “The hardships of the march are forgotten when one reaches the end of the journey.”
- “Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book, we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future.”
- “The will of the people is the best law.”
- “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.”
- “If you see the President, tell him from me that whatever happens, there will be no turning back.”
- “I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.”
- “I never wanted to get out of a place as much as I did to get out of the presidency.”
- “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”
- “The most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticized.”
- “The war is over — the rebels are our countrymen again.”
- “I will fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.”
- “My failures have been errors in judgment, not of intent.”
- “I have never advocated war except as a means of peace.”
- “I know no method to secure the repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution.”
- “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.”
- “I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly.”
- “In war, the human factor cannot be disregarded.”
- “I have always advocated and cheered the onward progress of our country in everything that makes for her greatness and glory.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ulysses S. Grant’s quotes provide insights into his leadership style and the challenges he faced during his presidency and military career. Despite the adversities he encountered, he remained steadfast in his determination to succeed and uphold the values of the United States. His quotes on corruption serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, integrity, and dedication in the face of difficult circumstances. As we continue to face the challenges in our personal and professional lives, we can draw inspiration from Grant’s words and use them as a guide to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ulysses S. Grant and his quotes:
1. Who was Ulysses S. Grant?
Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States, serving from 1869 to 1877. He was also a successful military general during the Civil War, leading Union forces to victory over the Confederacy.
2. What was Ulysses S. Grant’s leadership style?
Grant was known for his straightforward and pragmatic leadership style. He focused on achieving results rather than adhering to formalities or personal glory.
3. What were some of Ulysses S. Grant’s major accomplishments?
Grant led Union forces to victory over the Confederacy during the Civil War, served as President during the Reconstruction era, and played a key role in the passage of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted African American men the right to vote.
4. What are some famous Ulysses S. Grant quotes?
Some of Grant’s most famous quotes include “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,” and “In every battle, there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.”
5. Why are Ulysses S. Grant’s quotes still relevant today?
Grant’s quotes provide insights into leadership, perseverance, and determination that are still applicable in modern times. They remind us of the importance of staying focused on our goals and never giving up, even in the face of adversity.
