Arthur Wellesley

"A general who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat its mistakes."

"The wealth of a nation is not in its gold, but in the wisdom of its people."

"I have always found that the most effective argument is a well-reasoned one delivered with courtesy."

"A man who cannot control his temper cannot control an army."

"The greatest satisfaction in life comes from duty well performed."

"In the final analysis, a man is remembered not for what he acquired, but for what he gave."

"A general must have the heart of a lion and the patience of a saint."

"The true measure of success is not victory in battle, but the absence of the necessity for it."

"I have learned that the men who serve you are your greatest asset."

"A nation's future is determined not by its present power, but by the education of its youth."

"The surest path to regret is the failure to act when action was required."

"I have always maintained that luck favors the prepared mind."

"A good commander knows when to lead and when to follow."

"The greatest lesson I learned was that pride often precedes the fall."

"In matters of principle, one should be firm; in matters of policy, flexible."

"A man of honor does not need to prove his honor to others."

"The true test of a leader is how his organization functions in his absence."

"I have found that courtesy costs nothing but buys everything."

"A general must be able to inspire confidence not through words, but through deeds."

"The worst decision is the one that is never made."

"In my experience, the strongest fortifications are built by men, not by stones."

"A nation that forgets its heroes is a nation in decline."

"The most dangerous enemy is the one you have underestimated."

"I have always believed that an honest answer, though unwelcome, is preferable to a pleasant falsehood."

"A gentleman's word is his bond; his reputation is his fortune."

"The greatest victory often comes from knowing when to retreat."

"A man who has never failed has never tried anything worthwhile."

"In all my years, I have found that simplicity is the mark of true understanding."

"A general must love his men as a father loves his children, but command them as a ruler."

"The true price of peace is eternal vigilance and moral courage."