MC
Michael Collins
41quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael Collins was commonly known as "The Big Fellow" due to his tall stature.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 16, 1890, in Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland. Died on August 22, 1922, at Béal na mBláth, Cork.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Irishman and military leader who played a pivotal role in the Irish War of Independence.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education and politics, Collins was exposed to revolutionary ideas from an early age. His father, Michael John Collins, was a merchant and a member of the Irish National Land League, while his mother, Hannah "Hannie" Sheehan Collins, was a strong advocate for women's rights. Collins attended Stonyhurst College in England before enrolling at London University's Royal College of Science.
Major Accomplishments
Collins' most significant achievement was as Director of Intelligence for the IRA during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). He organized guerrilla warfare tactics, utilizing hit-and-run attacks against British forces and their informants. Collins also served as Chairman of the Provisional Government in 1922, leading Ireland's transition to independence.
Notable Works or Actions
As a key figure in the Irish revolution, Collins worked closely with Éamon de Valera and Arthur Griffith to establish an independent Irish state. He played a crucial role in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921), which granted dominion status to Ireland but also led to the partition of the island, creating Northern Ireland.
Impact and Legacy
Michael Collins' impact on Irish history is profound. His leadership during the War of Independence helped secure independence from British rule. The legacy he left continues to shape Irish politics, with many regarding him as a hero who gave his life for the nation's freedom. His influence can be seen in the continued struggle for Irish unity and self-governance.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Collins is often quoted due to his witty remarks and insightful observations on politics and leadership. His charismatic personality, combined with his sharp intellect and strategic thinking, have made him a celebrated figure in Irish history. The loss of Collins at Béal na mBláth was a devastating blow to the newly formed Irish Free State, but his legacy has endured as an inspiration for generations of Irish patriots.
Quotes by Michael Collins
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On the return trip, the atmospheric “re-entry corridor,” or zone of survivability, or whatever you wanted to call it, was only forty miles thick, and hitting a forty-mile target from 230,000 miles is like trying to split a human hair with a razor blade thrown from a distance of twenty feet.
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Far from feeling lonely or abandoned, I feel very much a part of what’s taking place on the lunar surface. I know that I would be a liar or a fool if I said that I have the best of the three Apollo 11 seats, but I can say with truth and equanimity that I am perfectly satisfied with the one I have. This venture has been structured for three men, and I consider my third to be as necessary as either of the other two.
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It is not to political leaders our people must look, but to themselves. Leaders are but individuals, and individuals are imperfect, liable to error and weakness. The strength of the nation will be the strength of the spirit of the whole people.
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We are off! And do we know it, not just because the world is yelling “Lift-off” in our ears, but because the seats of our pants tell us so! Trust your instruments, not your body, the modern pilot is always told, but this beast is best felt. Shake, rattle and roll!
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I am also planning to leave a lot of things undone. Part of life’s mystery depends on future possibilities, and mystery is an elusive quality which evaporates when sampled frequently, to be followed by boredom. For example, catching various types of fish is on my list of good things to do, but I would be reluctant to rush into it, even if i had the time. I want no part of destroying fishing as a mysterious sport.
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Where courage and judgement are equally required a clever coward is better than a stupid hero.
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There is but one Earth, tiny and fragile, and one must get 100,000 miles away to appreciate fully one’s good fortune in living on it.
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The economy continues to grow stronger than people expected, which is generally terrific for junk bonds.
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You could not invent a more productive place for the city to place its attention. And a conference center may be the trigger that can allow for the infrastructure at the airport to (improve) so that rates can find themselves going higher. We're in the process of examining that right now.
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