What a cruel thing war is… to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.

About Robert E. Lee

Robert Edward Leewas an American Confederate general during the American Civil War, toward the end of which he was appointed the overall commander of the Confederate States Army. He led the Army of Northern Virginia–the Confederacy’s most powerful army–from 1862 until its surrender in 1865, earning a reputation as a skilled tactician.

More about the author

More quotes from Robert E. Lee

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

Whiskey – I like it, I always did, and that is the reason I never use it.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

What a cruel thing war is… to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

This war is not about slavery.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

Let the tent be struck.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

The education of a man is never completed until he dies.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

The war… was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

The devil’s name is dullness.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

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.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

Duty, then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)

Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.

Robert E. Lee

Confederate States general (1807-1870)