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Charles Erwin Wilson

10quotes

Charles Erwin Wilson


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Charles Erwin Wilson, also known as "Tommy" to his friends and family, was a prominent American politician and business leader.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born: June 3, 1890
 Died: September 23, 1961

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Wilson was an American of Scottish descent. He held various professions throughout his life, including:

Politician: served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio (1945-1957) and as the 54th Secretary of Defense of the United States (1953-1957)
 Business leader: worked in the automobile industry for General Motors (1910-1939)

Early Life and Background


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Charles Erwin Wilson was born on June 3, 1890, in Minerva, Ohio. He grew up in a family of modest means and developed an interest in business and politics at an early age. After completing high school, Wilson attended the University of Akron but dropped out due to financial constraints.

In 1909, Wilson moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he began working as an apprentice machinist for the Flint, Michigan-based car manufacturer, General Motors. Over the next several decades, Wilson rose through the ranks at GM, eventually becoming a successful executive.

Major Accomplishments


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Wilson's most notable accomplishments include:

Serving in World War I: Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a lieutenant during World War I.
 Rising to prominence in government: After serving in the U.S. Senate, Wilson was appointed Secretary of Defense by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.
Promoting industrial development: Throughout his career, Wilson advocated for the growth and modernization of American industry.

Notable Works or Actions


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During his tenure as Secretary of Defense, Wilson oversaw significant military reforms, including:

Establishing the Department of Defense: In 1947, Wilson played a key role in creating the new department, which consolidated various military branches under one umbrella.
Promoting nuclear deterrence: As Secretary of Defense, Wilson worked closely with President Eisenhower to develop and implement U.S. nuclear strategy.

Impact and Legacy


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Charles Erwin Wilson's impact on American politics and industry is multifaceted:

Contributing to the growth of General Motors: As a top executive at GM, Wilson played a key role in shaping the company's direction during its rapid expansion.
Shaping U.S. defense policy: Wilson's tenure as Secretary of Defense marked a significant shift towards a more unified and technologically advanced military.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Wilson is widely quoted due to his candid and insightful comments on politics, industry, and national security. His quotes continue to be relevant today:

"If you want peace, prepare for war." – This quote encapsulates Wilson's pragmatic approach to defense policy.
* "Government cannot redistribute wealth; it can only redistribute poverty." – This statement reflects Wilson's views on the limits of government intervention in economic matters.

Charles Erwin Wilson's legacy as a politician and business leader continues to be studied by scholars, policymakers, and industry professionals. His contributions to American politics and industry remain an essential part of our nation's history.

Quotes by Charles Erwin Wilson

There may be some backward countries where the mass of the people are on a subsistence level and where, as an aftermath of wars or partial crop failures, the standard of living has to be drastically reduced, but this certainly is not the case in our prosperous nations.
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There may be some backward countries where the mass of the people are on a subsistence level and where, as an aftermath of wars or partial crop failures, the standard of living has to be drastically reduced, but this certainly is not the case in our prosperous nations.
CE
Canada has great natural resources, and its people have the spirit and ability to develop them.
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Canada has great natural resources, and its people have the spirit and ability to develop them.
CE
No plan can prevent a stupid person from doing the wrong thing in the wrong place at the wrong time – but a good plan should keep a concentration from forming.
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No plan can prevent a stupid person from doing the wrong thing in the wrong place at the wrong time – but a good plan should keep a concentration from forming.
CE
No one should suffer from the great delusion that any form of communism or socialism which promotes the dictatorship of the few instead of the initiative of the millions can produce a happier or more prosperous society.
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No one should suffer from the great delusion that any form of communism or socialism which promotes the dictatorship of the few instead of the initiative of the millions can produce a happier or more prosperous society.
CE
There is no royal road; you’ve got to work a good deal harder than most people want to work.
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There is no royal road; you’ve got to work a good deal harder than most people want to work.
CE
The thing that contributes to anyone’s reaching the goal he wants is simple wanting that goal badly enough.
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The thing that contributes to anyone’s reaching the goal he wants is simple wanting that goal badly enough.
CE
For years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors and vice versa. The difference did not exist. Our company is too big. It goes with the welfare of the country.
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For years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors and vice versa. The difference did not exist. Our company is too big. It goes with the welfare of the country.
CE
#country
It is futile to talk too much about the past... like trying to make birth control retroactive.
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It is futile to talk too much about the past... like trying to make birth control retroactive.
CE
#futile
The price of progress is trouble, and I must be making a lot of progress.
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The price of progress is trouble, and I must be making a lot of progress.
CE
A good boss makes his men realize they have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better work than they thought they could.
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A good boss makes his men realize they have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better work than they thought they could.
CE
#thinking