Time Quote by Ladislas Farago
““The trouble was that most of the time Patton was playing the role of Lazarus at the big feast of the Allied war effort, receiving, like the Biblical beggar, merely the crumbs of the sumptuous meal. This is an important feature of his story in World War II and a puzzling sidelight of its conduct by Eisenhower. From the beginning to the end of the “crusade in Europe” there always was a gaping discrepancy between what Patton wanted to do and what the Supreme Commander was willing to let him do.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Patton: The Untold Story, Ladislas Farago, 1970
Patton’s ambition clashed with Eisenhower’s strategic limits, creating a persistent gap between his desires and the orders he could receive.
In simple terms: Patton wanted more than his commander allowed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that personal ambition may conflict with higher authority.
Themes
ambition
authority
conflict
Mood
tense
analytical
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- command decisions
- career planning
- team leadership
Key Concepts
military hierarchy
personal drive
strategic constraints
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal goals with organizational limits?
- When does defiance become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Even great leaders must operate within imposed boundaries.
![“It [referring to calling a Minister "Idiot"] was probably not an appropriate term, but we support the war effort and believe we should be supporting our troops and our allies and be there with them doing everything necessary to win.” quote by Stephen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f50/stephen-harper-3432_allies_it-referring-to-calling-a-minister-idiot_1644502.jpg)
![“The notion that the press was used in the [first Iraq] war is incorrect. The press wanted to be used. It saw itself as part of the war effort.” quote by Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4b6/chris-hedges-2131_democracy_the-notion-that-the-press-was-used-in-th_405007.jpg)
