Change Quote by Ulysses S. Grant
““He said to me that I might want an officer who had served with me in the West, mentioning Sherman specially, to take his place. If so, he begged me not to hesitate about making the change. He urged that the work before us was of such vast importance to the whole nation that the feeling or wishes of no one person should stand in the way of selecting the right men for all positions. For himself, he would serve to the best of his ability wherever placed. I assured him that I had no thought of substituting any one for him. As to Sherman, he could not be spared from the West. This incident gave me even a more favorable opinion of Meade than did his great victory at Gettysburg the July before. It is men who wait to be selected, and not those who seek, from whom we may always expect the most efficient service.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Personal correspondence, 1865, between Grant and Meade
Grant emphasizes selecting leaders based on merit and national need, not personal preference, highlighting selfless service and strategic importance of capable officers.
In simple terms: Choose leaders for ability, not connections.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize competence over favoritism.
Themes
leadership
meritocracy
service
strategy
national interest
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- war planning
- staff appointments
- government appointments
Key Concepts
Civil War
military command
political decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure merit prevails in appointments?
- What risks arise when personal bias influences leadership choices?
A Different Perspective
Merit selection can be constrained by political pressure.
