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75 quotes by Donald Rumsfeld

Donald Henry Rumsfeld (born July 9, 1932) is an American politician and businessman. Rumsfeld served as the 13th Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford, and as the 21st Secretary of Defense from 2001 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. He is both the youngest and oldest person to have served as Secretary of Defense. Additionally, Rumsfeld was a four-term U.S. Congressman from Illinois (1962–1969), Director of the...
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There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't... →

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Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan... →

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Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.

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Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.

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You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think, plan, develop, launch and tap good people to be responsible. Give them... →

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It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.

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If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.

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I can't tell you if the use of force in Iraq today will last five days, five weeks or five months, but it won't last any longer than that.

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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... →

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Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or you, delegate it. Force responsibility down and out. Find problem... →

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Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.

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Don't divide the world into 'them' and 'us.' Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or... →

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If you try to please everybody, somebody's not going to like it.

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