Jim Mattis Quotes

One of the things I learned at the Naval Academy and the Marine Corps is we have to make tough decisions.

Everything that I learned in the Navy, I took it with me into the next phase of my life.

I liked the military life. They teach you self-sufficiency early on. I always say that I learned most of what I know about leadership in the Marine Corps. Certain basic principles stay with you - sometimes consciously, mostly unconsciously.

There's no doubt West Point impacted who I am... It has an enormous emphasis, not only on military aspects, but character development. Whether it's the honor code, or the interactions you have, both with the cadet leadership and the academy leadership, every place you are is a character test.

Most of the good executives do pretty well. Because to be a good executive you have to be strong, and you have to have a simple attribute that people have forgotten about - courage.

The army teaches boys to think like men.

My four years in the Marine Corps left me with an indelible understanding of the value of leadership skills.

My mother was in the Army Reserve for six years. She taught me the importance of following rules, finishing what I start, never giving up, leadership skills, teamwork, staying positive, motivated and how to pack the military way when I'm traveling!

We're trying to give a young man life lessons - sacrifice, commitment, teamwork, self-confidence, self-esteem. That's what this sport does for kids.

When I'm thinking of sports, when I'm thinking of a boy growing up and being a man, I'm thinking of three things - honor, integrity, and toughness.

My philosophy of leadership is to surround myself with good people who have ability, judgment and knowledge, but above all, a passion for service.

The biggest thing we get out of it is seeing the kids smile. And hopefully we will also see that the lessons we're teaching - not only the fundamentals of hockey, but also the life values - are sinking in.

The greatest presidents have been those who demonstrated astute judgment in times of crisis - often despite the advice they were getting.

The Marines gave me a really strong sense of discipline and a work ethic that kicks in at my job.

No one is going to stick their head out of the trenches for someone they don't respect or trust. You can get shot doing that.

To be a great leader, you firstly have to like people. If you don't like people, at the end of the day they will figure this out and you can't lead them too well.

I was in the Boy Scouts for about four years until my troop disbanded. It is really one of the best activities youths can get involved in and nearly every scout I have known has been a class act due to the discipline the Scouts have instilled in them.

In the military, you learn the essence of people. You see so many examples of self-sacrifice and moral courage. In the rest of life, you don't get that many opportunities to be sure of your friends.

I talk to student-athletes. I try to get them to remember that they're not just athletes, but student-athletes. You need to get an education, keep your hands clean and try to represent the university.

Decisiveness is a characteristic of high-performing men and women. Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.

Tom Coughlin is great with the players and he is what you see with the media. He's a good guy and he's a fun guy, but at the same time he's a serious guy when it comes to winning and it comes to football.

Sport is and should remain a great school of life that supports young people in their personal development. It teaches respect for others and also for oneself.

Sport fosters many things that are good; teamwork and leadership.

I wish I had played team sports. I think every kid should. Teamwork builds character - teaches people about leadership and cooperation.

I am ready to fight according to the rules, and I ask for the opportunity to prove myself.