Dwight Eisenhower

US President, WWII general

Modern influential 142 sayings

Sayings by Dwight Eisenhower

Don't join the book burners. Don't think you're going to conceal thoughts by concealing books.

1953 — Dartmouth College Commencement Address
Humorous Unverifiable

The problem with golf is that it takes up too much time. You don't have enough time to play all 18 holes.

1950s — Attributed, a humorous take on his favorite pastime.
Humorous Unverifiable

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

1950s — Attributed, a widely quoted inspirational statement.
Humorous Unverifiable

There is no glory in battle worth the blood it costs.

1950s — Attributed, reflecting his anti-war sentiment.
Humorous Unverifiable

In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.

1950s — Attributed, a famous quote on military strategy.
Humorous Unverifiable

The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but brotherhood.

1954 — Message to the World Council of Churches
Humorous Unverifiable

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of their way and let them have it.

1959 — Interview with Malcolm Muggeridge
Humorous Unverifiable

I can think of nothing more important than to try to make the world a better place.

1950s — Attributed, a general statement of purpose.
Humorous Unverifiable

Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.

1950s — Attributed, similar to his leadership quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.

1950 — Speech to the Columbia University Alumni
Humorous Unverifiable

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.

1956 — Speech to the Republican National Committee
Humorous Unverifiable

I can't tell you how many times I've walked down a street and someone has said, 'Hey, general, how's the war going?' And I've had to say, 'I don't know, I'm just the President.'

1950s — Attributed, a humorous anecdote about his former military role.
Humorous Unverifiable

The path to peace is a long and arduous one, but it is the only path worth taking.

1950s — Attributed, a common theme in his foreign policy.
Humorous Unverifiable

The world needs a sense of humor. It needs people who can laugh at themselves.

1950s — Attributed, a general observation.
Humorous Unverifiable

I believe that the only way to solve the world's problems is through cooperation and understanding.

1950s — Attributed, a theme of his international relations.
Humorous Unverifiable

The more I study history, the more I am convinced that the only way to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past is to learn from them.

1950s — Attributed, emphasizing the importance of historical study.
Humorous Unverifiable

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

1950s — Attributed, a biblical reference reflecting his faith.
Humorous Unverifiable

The only way to win a nuclear war is to prevent it.

1950s — Attributed, a strong statement on nuclear deterrence.
Humorous Unverifiable

The atom has been split, but not the human heart.

1950s — Attributed, a poignant observation.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

1944 — Order of the Day to Allied Expeditionary Force
Humorous Unverifiable