Paul von Hindenburg

"In service to the state, personal glory is meaningless."

"The world is changed by those willing to stand for something."

"A man's final judgment comes not from others, but from himself."

"The preservation of order requires constant vigilance and sacrifice."

"One must accept that not all battles can be won."

"The future is shaped by those who understand the present."

"A nation's spirit is its greatest weapon and its greatest weakness."

"In the end, history cares nothing for our intentions, only our deeds."

"The soldier's burden is the weight of duty upon his conscience."

"A wise man knows that power without responsibility is hollow."

"One must face one's legacy without flinching or excusing."

"The machine gun is a defensive weapon and cannot be used for purposes of attack."

"A soldier's first duty is obedience to his commanders and to the state."

"I have always believed that duty and honor are the foundations of a man's character."

"The German people must learn to think in terms of centuries, not years."

"A general who cannot make decisions is a burden to his troops."

"Memory is the bridge between what was and what shall be."

"One must never underestimate the power of tradition in holding a nation together."

"I have seen empires rise and fall; all are subject to the laws of nature."

"Weakness in leadership invites chaos and destruction upon a nation."

"The respect of soldiers cannot be commanded; it must be earned through integrity."

"A man's word is his bond; without it, he is nothing."

"I learned early that compromise often means defeat in disguise."

"Youth must be taught discipline or it will teach itself through suffering."

"The course of history is determined by those willing to act decisively."

"One cannot build a lasting nation on the shifting sands of popular opinion."

"Patience in preparation prevents poor performance in battle."

"The old guard must give way to new thinking, yet not abandon proven principles."

"A nation without strong institutions is like a house built upon sand."

"I have always maintained that honor is more valuable than gold."