Donald Rumsfeld

Politics is human beings; it’s addition rather than subtraction.

First rule of politics: you can’t win unless you’re on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.

Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war.

When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don’t eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.

Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House.

No comment is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again.

The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered but a general effect of pleasing impression.

Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.

Why is that others have so much faith in me, while I have so little? Why can’t I have the same belief in me that they have? Why can’t I see in myself, what they do? What is it that makes me, hold myself back? How many more hurdles do I need to overcome? There are so many questions that I have to find the answers to. And I will only find them by focusing and being completely honest with myself.

Gratitude is a debt which usually goes on accumulating like blackmail; the more you pay, the more is exacted. In time, you are made to realize that the kindness done you is become a curse and you wish it had not happened.

A round man cannot be expected to fit in a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape.

In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.

Can you really explain to a fish what it’s like to walk on land? One day on land is worth a thousand years of talking about it, and one day running a business has exactly the same kind of value.

A beautiful form is better than a beautiful face; it gives a higher pleasure than statues or pictures; it is the finest of the fine arts.

Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.

I find that the Americans have no passions, they have appetites.

Doing as others told me, I was blind. Coming when others called me, I was lost. Then I left everyone, myself as well. Then I found myself, myself as well.

A wise neuter joins with neither, but uses both as his honest interest leads him.

Half a man’s wisdom goes with his courage.

I answer the heroic question Death where is thy sting? It is here in my heart and mind and memories