11 Quotes & Sayings By Donald Rumsfeld

Donald Rumsfeld is an American businessman, politician, and political analyst. He served as the sixth United States Secretary of Defense from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford. He also served as the 13th Vice President of the United States from 1981 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan. As a member of the Ford Administration, Rumsfeld gained notoriety for implementing a controversial policy that allowed military recruiters to reject applicants with missing or falsified medical records Read more

He was known to be jovial in appearance, but in private he was highly combative, even yelling at President Ford when the latter called him in late 1976 to tell him about the administration's economic policies. During his tenure at Defense, Rumsfeld was responsible for creating the Navy's Tailhook scandal in 1991. The scandal resulted in multiple sexual assault charges against Navy pilots and officers.

Rumsfeld also opposed environmentalism during his time as Secretary of Defense, claiming that "environmentalists were not environmentally literate."

1
Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns- the ones we don't know we don't know. Donald Rumsfeld
Those who made the decisions with imperfect knowledge will be...
2
Those who made the decisions with imperfect knowledge will be judged in hindsight by those with considerably more information at their disposal and time for reflection. Donald Rumsfeld
3
There are known knowns, things we know that we know; and there are known unknowns, things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns, things we do not know we don't know. Donald Rumsfeld
4
If it were a fact, it wouldn't be called intelligence. Donald Rumsfeld
5
If in doubt, don't. If still in doubt, do what's right. Donald Rumsfeld
6
Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position. Donald Rumsfeld
7
Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership. Donald Rumsfeld
8
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. Donald Rumsfeld
9
Presidential leadership needn't always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective. Donald Rumsfeld
10
Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.' Donald Rumsfeld