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Colin Powell Quotes
1937–2021 United States
Colin Luther Powell (b. 5 April 1937– d. 18 October 2021) was an American politician, diplomat and four-star general who served as the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African-American Secretary of State.
United States Academics Episcopalians Memoirists Military leaders Also known as: General Powell, Powell Colin, Powell, Colin
Random Colin Powell quote
40 quotes
I don't think I have anything to be ashamed of or apologize for with respect to what America has done for the world.
There can be no doubt that Saddam Hussein has biological weapons and the capability to rapidly produce more, many more.
Our strategy in going after this army is very simple. First we are going to cut it off, and then we are going to kill it.
I may be down, but never out. An infantry officer can do anything.
It Worked For Me (2012)
But there comes a time when soft power or talking with evil will not work where, unfortunately, hard power is the only thing that works.
Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible.
The Powell Principles (2003)
We want to see both sides not take unilateral action that would prejudice an eventual outcome, a reunification that all parties are seeking.
There is nothing in American experience or in American political life or in our culture that suggests we want to use hard power.
You can't make good decisions unless you have good information and can separate facts from opinion and speculation.
It Worked For Me (2012)
It goes to countries where women can work, children can read, and entrepreneurs can dream.
Far from being the Great Satan, I would say that we are the Great Protector.
The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting in above-average effort.
My American Journey (1996)
That's not really a number I'm terribly interested in.
As successes come your way, remember that you didn't do it alone. It is always we.
It Worked For Me (2012)
Now, we have got to stop polarizing ourself in this way.
This is not the way we should be doing it in America.
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.
The Powell Principles (2003)
Always do your very best. Even when no one else is looking, you always are. Don't disappoint yourself.
It Worked For Me (2012)
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell (2003)
Capital is a coward. It flees from corruption and bad policies, conflict and unpredictability.
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