I would rather have a lucky general than a smart general.... They win battles, and they make me lucky.
Interpretation
Luck can be more valuable than intelligence in achieving success.
This quote emphasizes the idea that while intelligence and strategy are important, sometimes luck plays a crucial role in success, especially in challenging situations such as battles. Eisenhower suggests that a fortunate leader can lead to more favorable outcomes and victories, highlighting the unpredictable nature of success in competitive environments.
In practice
In a speech about leadership strategy at a military event.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
There are other players who were more talented, but there is no one who could out-prepare me.
Failure isn't fatal, and success isn't final.
What are the five products you want to focus on? Get rid of the rest, because they’re dragging you down. They’re turning you into Microsoft. They’re causing you to turn out products that are adequate but not great.
Don't start a company unless it's an obsession and something you love. If you have an exit strategy, it's not an obsession.
Never apologize for your success because you worked hard for it.
Standing on that platform, I said a silent prayer. I thanked God for giving me the strength and the opportunity to come back, to play basketball again, and to be part of that whole magnificent Olympic experience. It's a memory I will always cherish.
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