88 Quotes by Robert M. Gates

I’m a big advocate of drones.

When it comes to predicting future conflicts, what kind of fights they will be, and what will be needed, we need a lot more humility.

I remember sitting at the witness table listening to this litany of woe and thinking, What the hell am I doing here? I have walked right into the middle of a category-five shitstorm.

If Iraq and Afghanistan have taught us anything in recent history, it is the unpredictability of war and that these things are easier to get into than to get out of, and, frankly, the facile way in which too many people talk about, 'Well, let's just go attack them.'

One of my favorite little sayings is, 'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.'

I have instincts.

I don't think any president that I worked with has ever said 'pretty please.'