What is a good man if not one who does not believe in himself to the exclusion of others? ... He was asked to bear what cannot be borne--what should not be borne. I hope never to be so tested, for I have it on the best authority that I will not bear it. Norman Lock
About This Quote

The phrase, “What is a good man if not one who does not believe in himself to the exclusion of others?” appears in a letter written by Robert E. Lee to his wife. The letter was written on July 20, 1864, during the Civil War. Lee had just been offered command of the Union Army, but turned it down because he refused to take orders from President Lincoln.

In the letter, Lee wrote that he would serve under no one who did not believe in himself and that he would refuse to bear what cannot be borne – what should not be borne – the yoke of tyranny. This is a great quote on self-esteem and self-respect and it shows how Lee felt about having his own personal feelings and ideals more important than serving his country and fellow citizens.

Source: American Meteor

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