Army Quote by George S. Patton
“From time to time there will be some complaints that we are pushing our people too hard. I don't give a good Goddamn about such complaints. I believe in the old and sound rule that an ounce of sweat will save a gallon of blood. The harder we push, the more Germans we will kill. The more Germans we kill, the fewer of our men will be killed. Pushing means fewer casualties. I want you all to remember that.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to 12th US Army, 1944
Hard work and relentless pressure reduce enemy casualties; the quote rationalizes sacrifice as a means to save lives.
In simple terms: Intense effort saves lives by weakening the enemy.
Key Takeaway
Apply disciplined pressure to achieve strategic advantage.
Themes
military
strategy
effort
casualties
efficiency
Mood
serious
determined
reflective
Type
military
strategic
ethical
When to use this quote
- combat training
- leadership meetings
- military planning
Key Concepts
sweat
blood
enemy
casualties
strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the loss of enemy lives justified by fewer own casualties?
- What are the long‑term costs of relentless pressure?
A Different Perspective
Aggressive tactics can cause moral and ethical dilemmas.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
