Dwight D. Eisenhower Quotes & Sayings

If our founding fathers were alive today, they'd roll over in their graves. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I'll tell you what leadership is. It's persuasion and conciliation, and education, and patience. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

One day the people of the world will want peace
so much that the governments will have to get out
of their way and give it to them. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Compromise is like the middle of the road; always safer to walk on than the edges. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Organizations cannot make a genius out of an incompetent. On the other hand, disorganization can scarcely fail to result in efficiency. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We know something of the cost of that war. We were in it from December seventh, '41, till August of '45. Ever since that time, we have been waging peace. It has had its ups and downs just as the war did. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Censorship, in my opinion, is a stupid and shallow way of approaching the solution to any problem. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

[T]he rule of law does more than ensure freedom from high-handed action by rulers. It ensures justice between man and man however humble the one and however powerful the other. A man with five dollars in the bank can call to account the corporation with five billion dollars in assets-and the two will be heard as equals before the law. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Do not needlessly endanger your lives until I give you the signal. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We have heard much of the phrase, peace and friendship. This phrase, in expressing the aspiration of America, is not complete. We should say instead, peace and friendship, in freedom. This, I think, is America's real message to the rest of the world. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The national government was itself the creature of the States ... Yet today it is often made to appear that the creature, Frankenstein-like, is determined to destroy the creators. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Preventive war was an invention of Hitler. I would not even listen to anyone seriously that came and talked about such a thing. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I get weary of the European habit of taking our money, resenting any slight hint as to what they should do, and then assuming, in addition, full right to criticize us as bitterly as they may desire. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I believe that for the past twenty years there has been a creeping socialism spreading in the United States. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

No easy problems ever come to the President of the United States. If they are easy to solve, someone else has solved them. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Through knowledge and understanding we will drive from the temple of freedom all who seek to establish over us thought control - whether they be agents of a foreign power or demagogues thirsty for personal power and public notice. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Not only do I have a great love for the game of golf - no matter how badly I play it - but I have also the belief that through every kind of meeting, through every kind of activity to which we can bring together more often and more intimately peoples of our several countries, by that measure we will do something to solve the difficulties and the tensions that this poor old world seems nowadays to so much endure. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our best protection against bigger government in Washington is better government in the states. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

As it is an ancient truth that freedom cannot be legislated into existence, so it is no less obvious that freedom cannot be censored into existence. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity. a — Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the final choice a soldier's pack is not so heavy as a prisoner's chains. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Memory should be the starting point of the present. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I'm going to pass a law that no one can ask me my golf score. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The only way to win World War III is to prevent it. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We are not saints. We know we make mistakes, but at least our heart is with the right cause. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I have just realized that it is due to you, and to Mr. James Thomas and his staff of the Army Navy Country Club that the putting green here on the White House lawn is already in such excellent condition. I assure you that I get a great deal of pleasure and relaxation out of using the green in an occasional late afternoon hour ... — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Don't join the book burners! — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The United States pledges before you-and therefore before the world-its determination to help solve the fearful atomic dilemma-to devote its entire heart and mind to find the way by which the miraculous inventiveness of man shall not be dedicated to his death, but consecrated to his life. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I would rather have a lucky general than a smart general ... They win battles, and they make me lucky. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Every battle is going to surprise you. No plan ever survives contact with the enemy. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The president cannot escape from his office. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Personal prayer, it seems to me, is one of the simplest necessities of life, as basic to the individual as sunshine, food and water-and at times, of course, more so. By prayer I mean an effort to get in touch with the Infinite. We know that our prayers are imperfect. Of course they are. We are imperfect human beings. A thousand experiences have convinced me beyond room of doubt that prayer multiplies the strength of the individual and brings within the scope of his capabilities almost any conceivable objective. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I do not believe that any political campaign justifies the declaration of a moratorium on ordinary common sense. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses -because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The quest for peace is the statesman's most exacting duty ... Practical progress to lasting peace is his fondest hope. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

By mutual respect, understanding and with good will we can find acceptable solutions to any problems which exist or may arise between us. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The history of free men is never written by chance but by choice - their choice. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Preparing for battle, plans were essential. But once the battle was joined, plans were useless. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our pleasures were simple - they included survival. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race, or calling. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We cannot risk living all our lives under emergency measures. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Remember that it is not by a tyrant's words, but only by his deeds that we can know him. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Forces of good and evil are massed and armed and opposed as rarely before in history. Freedom is pitted against slavery; lightness against the dark ... In the final choice, a soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Never lose your temper, except intentionally. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The world must learn to work together, or finally it will not work at all. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

No battle was ever won according to plan, but no battle was ever won without one. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Men of widely divergent views in our own country live in peace together because they share certain common aspirations which are more important than their differences ... The common responsibility of all Americans is to become effective, helpful participants in a way of life that blends and harmonizes the fiercely competitive demands of the individual and society. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We will accept nothing less than full Victory! — Dwight D. Eisenhower

For all that we cherish and justly desire - for ourselves or for our children - the securing of peace is the first requisite. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We ... must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for our own ease and convenience the precious resources of tomorrow. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Freedom from fear and injustice and oppression will be ours only in the measure that men who value such freedom are ready to sustain its possession - to defend it against every thrust from within or without. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I made two mistakes and both of them are sitting on the Supreme Court. [Referring to Earl Warren and William Brennan] — Dwight D. Eisenhower

To blend, without coercion, the individual good and the common good is the essence of citizenship in a free country. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Like myself, all Americans have a deep concern for the well-being of Iran. With them I have watched closely your courageous efforts, your steadfastness over the past difficult years, and with them I too have hoped that you might achieve the goals you so earnestly desire. The attainment of an oil settlement along the lines which have been announced should be a significant step in the direction of the realization of your aspirations for your people. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Men and women, inspired by faith in man's dignity, goaded by conviction in man's responsibility, labored that this land might be a better home for those who followed them. Because every American generation attacked its problems with fresh vigor, we have peopled a continent, subdued its prairies and wilderness, tamed its rivers and devoted its resources to the betterment of those who dwell in it. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

May we, in our dealings with all the peoples of the earth, ever speak the truth and serve justice. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Laughter can relieve tension, soothe the pain of disappointment, and strengthen the spirit for the formidable tasks that always lie ahead. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The sergeant is the Army. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I have no use for those- regardless of their political party- who hold some foolish dream of spinning the clock back to days when unorganized labor was a huddled, almost helpless mass. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Work should be for all of us a word as honorable and appealing as patriotism. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Through unity of action we can be a veritable colossus in support of peace. No one can defeat us unless we first defeat ourselves. Every one of us must be guided by this truth. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

No treaty or international agreement can contravene the Constitution. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Possibly my hatred of war blinds me so that I cannot comprehend the arguments they adduce. But, in my opinion, there is no such thing as a preventive war. Although this suggestion is repeatedly made, none has yet explained how war prevents war. Worse than this, no one has been able to explain away the fact that war creates the conditions that beget war. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Firmness in support of fundamentals, with flexibility in tactics and methods, is the key to any hope of progress in negotiation. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our forces saved the remnants of the Jewish people of Europe for a new life and a new hope in the reborn land of Israel. Along with all men of good will, I salute the young state and wish it well. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

But I noted with real satisfaction how well ex-footballers seemed to have leadership qualifications ... I believe that football, perhaps more than any other sport, tends to instill in men the feeling that victory comes through hard - almost slavish - work, team play, self-confidence, and an enthusiasm that amounts to dedication. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Fortunately for us and our world, young people are not easily discouraged. The hopes of the world rest on the fresh outlook of young people — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I come from the very heart of America. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

It will begin with its President taking a simple, firm resolution. The resolution will be: To forego the diversions of politics and to concentrate on the job of ending the Korean war-until that job is honorably done. That job requires a personal trip to Korea. I shall make that trip. Only in that way could I learn how best to serve the American people in the cause of peace. I shall go to Korea. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

When you are in any contest, you should work as if there were - to the very last minute - a chance to lose it. This is battle, this is politics, this is anything. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our form of government has no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith, and I don't care what it is. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

And the next thing is that every war is going to astonish you in the way it occurred, and in the way it is carried out. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The world could be fixed of its problems if every child understood the necessity of their existence. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We merely want to live in peace with all the world, to trade with them, to commune with them, to learn from their culture as they may learn from ours, so that the products of our toil may be used for our schools and our roads and our churches and not for guns and planes and tanks and ships of war. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Extremes to the right and to the left of any political dispute are always wrong. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

The people of the world genuinely want peace. Some day the leaders of the world are going to have to give in and give it to them. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Leadership is the ability to get a person to do what you want him to do, when you want it done, in a way you want it done, because he wants to do it. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Having established as our goals a lasting world peace with justice and the security of freedom on this earth, we must be prepared to make whatever sacrifices are demanded as we pursue this path to its end. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I could have spoken from Rhode Island where I have been staying ... But I felt that, in speaking from the house of Lincoln, of Jackson, and of Wilson, my words would better convey both the sadness I feel in the action I was compelled today to make and the firmness with which I intend to pursue this course until the orders of the federal court at Little Rock can be executed without unlawful interference. (On sending troops to enforce integration in Little Rock AR High School) — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Don't join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

It is probably a pity that every citizen of each state cannot visit all the others, to see the differences, to learn what we have in common, and come back with a richer, fuller understanding of America - in all its beauty, in all its dignity, in all its strength, in support of moral principles. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

I know something about that war, and I never want to see that history repeated. But, my fellow Americans, it certainly can be repeated if the peace-loving democratic nations again fearfully practice a policy of standing idly by while big aggressors use armed force to conquer the small and weak. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Few women, I fear, have had such reason as I have to think the long sad years of youth were worth living for the sake of middle age. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

And now, as in no other age, we seek it [peace] because we have been warned, by the power of modern weapons, that peace may be the only climate possible for human life itself. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you're a thousand miles from the corn field. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Because, therefore, we are defending a way of life, we must be respectful of that way of life as we proceed to the solution of our problem. We must not violate its principles and its precepts, and we must not destroy from within what we are trying to defend from without. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

Only strength can cooperate. Weakness can only beg. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

This is what I found out about religion: It gives you courage to make the decisions you must make in a crisis, and then the confidence to leave the result to a higher Power. Only by trust in God can a man carrying responsibility find repose. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

[Not achieving a nuclear test ban] would have to be classed as the greatest disappointment of any administration of any decade, of any time and of any party. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

We look upon this shaken earth, and we declare our firm and fixed purpose-the building of a peace with justice in a world where moral law prevails. — Dwight D. Eisenhower

As for myself and for the Secretary of State and others involved, including those in the Legislature, we stand ready to do anything, to meet with anyone, anywhere, as long as we may do so in self-respect, demanding the respect due this Nation, and there is any slightest idea or chance of furthering this great cause of peace. — Dwight D. Eisenhower