Jocko Quote Database

If you make a little effort to help somebody out you can actually change the trajectory of their entire life. 236-2:50:53 jqdb.org/qotd

If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son! — Rudyard Kipling, "If—" 140-0:02:15

Remember that even in the most wretched times when you face darkness yourself, no matter how bad things get, remember not to stop, remember not to pause, remember not to hesitate, remember to put one foot in front of the other, take that first step, and start walking. 139-2:51:05

In my mind I know I have made this long, long walk before and I know how difficult and time-consuming it will be…I wonder what could have happened to get me back to this place again. But in my dream I start walking—I start walking. — James Bollich, Bataan Death March 139-2:07:07

No matter who you are and what you do, do it to the best of your ability, …be the best you can. But at the same time stay balanced. Be aggressive, but not reckless. Take ownership, but empower your team. Be humble, but not passive. Be disciplined, but be free. 138-2:37:02

If a leader loses control, the whole unit can fall apart. Calm, deliberate action saves lives. — David Hackworth, About Face 499-1:12:13

The slightest bit of excitement in a leader is transmitted to the men. You might be afraid, but the fear gets magnified in the troops. Somebody has to keep his cool. If you're a decent leader, you don't dare lose it for your own good. — David Hackworth, About Face 499-1:11:54

The worst thing you can do is overreact. If you lose your head, you lose your men. Panic is contagious. — David Hackworth, About Face 499-1:11:45

You know what you're supposed to do. Regardless of what distractions present themselves, you know what you're supposed to do. So go do it. 498-1:29:35

Discipline is not just a matter of following orders. It is a matter of self-control and self-direction, a willingness to do what is right regardless of the circumstances. — MCDP 1: Warfighting 498-1:29:15

You are in charge of what you do. You have to make the calls—and you are going to resist you. And you can't do that. You can't allow the inmates to run the prison. You've got to impose your will on yourself. 498-1:16:28

Marines sense their leader's strength of will. If your will is weak, your Marines will yield easily to fear and stress. If your will is strong, it will instill and strengthen courage and determination in your men. — USMC Leadership Credo 498-1:11:14

Overcoming friction requires will. Learn to prevail through your persistent strength of mind and spirit. — USMC Leadership Credo 498-1:04:52

Isn't it interesting that the freaking friction that we have to fight against, a bunch of it comes from us? Please keep that in mind. A bunch of the friction in your life is self-generated. 498-1:03:07

No man is a leader until his appointment is ratified in the minds and hearts of his men. — The Infantry Journal, 1948 498-0:02:12

As aggressive as leaders must be, leaders must be cautious that they are not "running to their deaths" simply because it is their instinct to take action. The dichotomy between aggression and caution must be balanced. So be aggressive, but never reckless. 138-0:57:43

The risk in any action must be carefully weighed against the potential rewards of mission success. And of course, to counter that thought, the cost of inaction must be weighed as well. — The Dichotomy of Leadership 138-0:57:29

To disregard prudent council when someone with experience urges caution, to dismiss significant threats, or to fail to plan for likely contingencies is foolhardy. It is bad leadership. — The Dichotomy of Leadership 138-0:56:34

Losing your temper is a sign of weakness. The aggression that wins on the battlefield, in business, or in life is directed not toward people but toward solving problems, achieving goals, and accomplishing the mission. — The Dichotomy of Leadership 138-0:55:14

Rather than passively waiting to be told what to do, Default: Aggressive leaders proactively seek out ways to further the strategic mission. They understand the commander’s intent, and where they have authority to do so, they execute. — The Dichotomy of Leadership 138-0:53:55

We were all afraid. But we had a job to do and we did it. — Anonymous Marine veteran of Iwo Jima 497-1:26:03