I ended my statement to the colored soldiers by saying…
““I ended my statement to the colored soldiers by saying: "Now, I shall be very sorry to hurt you, and you don't know whether or not I will keep my word, but my men can tell you that I always do;" whereupon my cow-punchers, hunters, and miners solemnly nodded their heads and commented in chorus, exactly as if in a comic opera, "He always does; he always does!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker promises to keep his word, earning trust from diverse workers despite harsh conditions.
In simple terms: He vows to keep promises, gaining trust.
Key Takeaway
Honor commitments to build loyalty.
Themes
trust
leadership
integrity
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
historical
leadership
When to use this quote
- team leadership
- labor management
- military command
- public speaking
Key Concepts
ethics
military history
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure you keep promises?
- What happens when trust is broken?
A Different Perspective
Promises can be broken under pressure, eroding trust.