Dwight Eisenhower

US President, WWII general

Modern influential 142 sayings

Sayings by Dwight Eisenhower

The military-industrial complex is a threat to our democracy. We must guard against it.

1961 — Farewell Address to the Nation
Controversial Unverifiable

Ike's got a big grin, but there's a lot of steel behind it.

1952 — Attributed to him by a journalist, referring to himself
Controversial Unverifiable

Don't worry about the past. Just keep moving forward.

1955 — Remarks to staff
Controversial Unverifiable

The American people are not going to stand for any more of this nonsense.

1952 — Speech during his presidential campaign
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a man given to making rash decisions. I think things through carefully.

1957 — Interview with a journalist
Controversial Unverifiable

I have only one ambition, and that is to be a good soldier.

1920s (approx) — Early career statement, quoted in biographies
Controversial Unverifiable

There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers.

1959 — Remarks to staff
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a man who believes in wasting time. Let's get things done.

1953 — Private conversation with an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

Peace and justice are two sides of the same coin.

1953 — Speech to the United Nations
Controversial Unverifiable

I despise people who can't make up their minds.

1954 — Private conversation, recalled by an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

The United States must not be a nation that seeks to dominate others, but one that seeks to cooperate.

1953 — Speech on foreign policy
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't believe in taking no for an answer.

1956 — Remarks to staff
Controversial Unverifiable

I like people who are direct and honest, even if they disagree with me.

1957 — Private conversation, recorded in a memo
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is a dangerous place, and we must be prepared to defend ourselves.

1954 — Speech on national security
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I'm not a man who enjoys ceremony. I prefer to get down to business.

1953 — Private conversation with an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't believe in getting bogged down in details. I like to see the big picture.

1955 — Remarks to staff
Controversial Unverifiable

The American way of life is worth fighting for.

1952 — Speech to a patriotic organization
Controversial Unverifiable

I've never been one to shy away from a challenge.

1958 — Interview with a journalist
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The problem with intellectuals is they think too much and do too little.

1955 — Private conversation, recalled by an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

Undated (attributed) — Quoted in his biography by Stephen Ambrose
Controversial Unverifiable