William H. McRaven quotes

If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. (William H. McRaven)

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

William H. McRaven

I think the best way to get a good night sleep is to work hard throughout the day. If you work hard and, of course, work out.

William H. McRaven

Basic SEAL training is six months of long, torturous runs in the soft sand, midnight swims in the cold water off San Diego, obstacles courses, unending calisthenics, days without sleep and always being cold, wet and miserable.

William H. McRaven

If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

William H. McRaven

In a special operations mission, the concept of speed is simple. Get to your objective as fast as possible. Any delay will expand your area of vulnerability.

William H. McRaven

I think ninjas are probably quieter than SEALs, but we are better swimmers, and also better with guns and blowing things up.

William H. McRaven

You cant change the world alone - you will need some help - and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the good will of strangers and a strong coxswain to guide them.

William H. McRaven

Former CIA director John Brennan, whose security clearance you revoked on Wednesday, is one of the finest public servants I have ever known. Few Americans have done more to protect this country than John.

William H. McRaven

Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation. If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken.

William H. McRaven

If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken. (William H. McRaven)

There is this great scene, that sometimes goes unnoticed. Clarence takes George to the graveyard, and there; there is a headstone of George's younger brother, Terry.

William H. McRaven

As Americans, we should be frightened - deeply afraid for the future of the nation. When good men and women can't speak the truth, when facts are inconvenient, when integrity and character no longer matter, when presidential ego and self-preservation are more important than national security - then there is nothing left to stop the triumph of evil.

William H. McRaven

To be a good leader, you have to be a good communicator. As a leader, you have to communicate your intent every chance you get, and if you fail to do that, you will pay the consequences.

William H. McRaven

We must challenge this statement and this sentiment that the news media is the enemy of the American people. This sentiment may be the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime.

William H. McRaven

If you start focusing on the next job, then you're probably not going to do the one you have very well.

William H. McRaven

We're trying to get the SEAL community back to where we think it should be - quiet professionalism.

William H. McRaven

Nighttime frequently increases alertness, and each mission should consider the ramifications of a night assault. Several of the most successful special operations were conducted in daytime and achieved a high degree of surprise.

William H. McRaven

To me, basic SEAL training was a lifetime of challenges crammed into six months.

William H. McRaven

There is nothing more important to a democracy than an active and engaged press.

William H. McRaven

But if you want to change the world, don't be afraid of the circuses. (William H. McRaven)

William H. McRaven

William H. McRaven - Image

Occupation: American Admiral
Born: November 6, 1955
Quotes count: 21

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