Check out the best Ulysses S. Grant quotes that reflect courage, perseverance, and conviction from one of America’s most resilient and influential leaders.
Ulysses S. Grant was the fearless general who led the Union Army to victory during the American Civil War and later served as the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877.
Known for his steady leadership and relentless determination, Grant played a pivotal role in preserving the Union and advancing civil rights during Reconstruction.
His calm presence on the battlefield and unwavering commitment to justice helped steer the nation through one of its most turbulent eras.
As president, he focused on rebuilding a divided country, fighting corruption, and protecting the rights of newly freed slaves.
His determination, humility, and loyalty to Abraham Lincoln’s vision of a united America continue to inspire leaders, soldiers, and citizens alike.
Here are some of the most famous Ulysses S. Grant quotes that showcase his strength, leadership, and enduring wisdom.
Top 10 Ulysses S. Grant Quotes
- “The will of the people is the best law.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant Quotes - “I have never advocated war except as means of peace.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Quotes From Ulysses S. Grant - “God gave us Lincoln and Liberty, let us fight for both.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Famous Quotes By Ulysses S. Grant - “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant Quote - “If men make war in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant Sayings - “Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant Quotations - “Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S Grant Quotes - “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Best Ulysses S. Grant Quotes - “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant - “The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Best Ulysses S. Grant Quotes
- “Let us have peace.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “It will be all right if it turns out all right.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “My failures have been errors in judgment, not of intent.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “Two commanders on the same field are always one too many.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “I only knew what was in my mind, and I wished to express it clearly.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “The most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticized.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “No other terms than unconditional and immediate surrender. I propose to move immediately upon your works.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “The distant rear of an army engaged in battle is not the best place from which to judge correctly what is going on in front.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “There are but two parties now: traitors and patriots. And I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter and, I trust, the stronger party.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “Although a soldier by profession, I have never felt any sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, except as a means of peace.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “I have never advocated war except as means of peace, so seek peace, but prepare for war. Because war… War never changes. War is like winter and winter is coming.” — Ulysses S Grant
- “Leave the matter of religion to the family altar the church and the private school supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Famous Quotes From Ulysses S. Grant Quotes
- “Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “I know only two tunes: one of them is “Yankee Doodle” and the other isn’t.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “A second civil war would be “between patriotism and intelligence on the one side, and superstition, ambition, and ignorance on the other.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “The darkest day of my life was the day I heard of Lincoln’s assassination. I did not know what it meant. Here was the rebellion put down in the field, and starting up in the gutters…” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “I do not think there was ever a more wicked war than that waged by the United States on Mexico. I thought so at the time, when I was a youngster, only I had not moral courage enough to resign.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “It is preposterous to suppose that the people of one generation can lay down the best and only rules of government for all who are to come after them, and under unforeseen contingencies. ” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “… anything is better than indecision. We must decide. If I am wrong, we shall soon find out and can do the other thing. But not to decide wastes both time and money and may ruin everything.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “As time passes, people, even of the South, will begin to wonder how it was possible that their ancestors ever fought for or justified institutions which acknowledged the right of property in man.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant Quotes And Sayings
- “Wherever the enemy goes let our troops go also.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “Quit thinking about what Bobby Lee’s gonna do to us and start thinking about what we’re going to do to him.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “The fact is I think I am a verb instead of a personal pronoun. A verb is anything that signifies to be; to do; or to suffer. I signify all three.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “As soon as slavery fired upon the flag it was felt, we all felt, even those who did not object to slaves, that slavery must be destroyed. We felt that it was a stain to the Union that men should be bought and sold like cattle.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “But my later experience has taught me two lessons: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticised.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “Whatever there is of greatness in the United States, or indeed in any other country, is due to labor. The laborer is the author of all greatness and wealth. Without labor there would be no government, no leading class, and nothing to preserve.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “If we are to have another contest in the near future of our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon’s but between patriotism and intelligence on the one side, and superstition, ambition and ignorance on the other.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government, it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of oppression, if they are strong enough, whether by withdrawal from it, or by overthrowing it and substituting a government more acceptable.” — Ulysses S. Grant
- “Let us labor for the security of free thought, free speech, pure morals, unfettered religious sentiments, and equal rights and privileges for all men, irrespective of nationality, color, or religion;…. leave the matter of religious teaching to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contribution. Keep church and state forever separate.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Conclusion
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