Donald Rumsfeld quotes

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

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

In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.

In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade. Personal contacts and experiences help shape his thinking. They can be critical to his persuasiveness and thus to his leadership.

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.

Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin's still learning.

Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.

If it were a fact, it wouldn't be called intelligence.

If it were a fact, it wouldn't be called intelligence.

Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.

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.

Don't think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles De Gaulle said, the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men.

If it were a fact, it wouldn't be called intelligence.

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

Presidential leadership needn't always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective.

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

Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.