Able Quote by Robert E. Lee
“With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army...”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Resignation from the Confederate Army, 1862
He feels conflicted between loyalty to his country and his family, leading to resignation
In simple terms: He cannot fight against his own relatives and home, so he resigns
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal conscience over conflicting duties
Themes
loyalty
duty
family conflict
Mood
somber
conflicted
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- making a moral choice
- resigning from a position
- balancing personal and public obligations
Key Concepts
civil war
military service
ethical dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile personal ethics with public obligations?
A Different Perspective
Resignation may be seen as betrayal by some
