Lincoln Quote by Ulysses S. Grant
““In my first interview with Mr. Lincoln alone he stated to me that he had never professed to be a military man or to know how campaigns should be conducted, and never wanted to interfere in them: but that procrastination on the part of commanders, and the pressure from the people at the North and Congress, WHICH WAS ALWAYS WITH HIM, forced him into issuing his series of “Military Orders"—one, two, three, etc. He did not know but they were all wrong, and did know that some of them were. All he wanted or had ever wanted was some one who would take the responsibility and act, and call on him for all the assistance needed, pledging himself to use all the power of the government in rendering such assistance. Assuring him that I would do the best I could with the means at hand, and avoid as far as possible annoying him or the War Department, our first interview ended.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Interview with Abraham Lincoln, 1862
Lincoln sought a decisive leader to act, acknowledging his own limits and the pressure from public and Congress.
In simple terms: Lincoln needed a responsible, decisive partner.
Key Takeaway
Seek responsibility and act decisively when needed.
Themes
leadership
responsibility
political pressure
decision‑making
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- military command
- political negotiations
- crisis management
Key Concepts
delegation
military strategy
government authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you ready to take responsibility?
- How do you balance pressure and action?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on others can create vulnerability.
