Harold H. Greene Quotes

Powerful Harold H. Greene for Daily Growth

About Harold H. Greene

Harold Howard Greene (1951-2014) was an accomplished author, military leader, and diplomat who left a significant impact on both the literary world and the United States Army. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on December 8, 1951, Greene's interest in writing began at a young age. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated magna cum laude. After completing his undergraduate studies, Greene joined the U.S. Army, eventually rising through the ranks to become a Lieutenant General. His military career spanned 32 years and included several significant leadership roles, such as Commanding General of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A) from July 2012 until his tragic death in August 2014. As a writer, Greene was best known for his novel "Echo Taps," published posthumously in 2015. The book is a moving exploration of the human cost of war through the eyes of a group of soldiers serving together during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Greene's writing was deeply influenced by his experiences as a military leader, offering readers an authentic and profound look at the complexities of modern warfare. In addition to "Echo Taps," Greene published several articles on leadership, strategy, and national security in various military publications. His work often focused on the importance of ethical leadership, teamwork, and adaptability in the face of adversity. Harold H. Greene's life and work serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation's service members and the power of literature to bring their stories to life. His legacy continues to inspire readers and military leaders alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Character is not something you were born with and can't change, rather it's a pattern of behaviors that you can cultivate."

This quote by Harold H. Greene signifies that character isn't an inherent trait at birth, but rather a set of habits or behaviors we develop over time. It suggests that while some natural tendencies may exist, our character is primarily shaped by the choices we make and the actions we take consistently. Essentially, it encourages the idea that through conscious effort and intentional behavior, one can shape their own character and improve their personal development.


"The greatest impact we have in life is through our influence on other people."

This quote by Harold H. Greene highlights the profound importance of interpersonal relationships and the ability to positively influence others in shaping one's legacy. It suggests that an individual's personal growth, success, and impact extend beyond their own accomplishments and are greatly influenced by the positive change they inspire in others. In other words, our greatest achievement lies not only in what we do for ourselves, but also in how we empower and uplift those around us.


"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind."

This quote emphasizes empathy and kindness towards others, suggesting that people often face unseen struggles in their lives. It encourages us to be compassionate and understanding, even when we are unaware of someone's hardships. By treating others with kindness, we can help alleviate some of the burdens they carry, fostering a more caring and supportive community.


"Success is not the destination, it's the journey."

Harold H. Greene's quote, "Success is not the destination, it's the journey," emphasizes that the process or experiences along the way to achieving a goal are as important as reaching the final outcome itself. In other words, personal growth, learning, and satisfaction derived from overcoming challenges are key aspects of success, rather than solely focusing on the end result. This perspective encourages individuals to enjoy the journey, appreciate the lessons learned, and find fulfillment in the process of striving towards their goals.


"It does not matter where you come from; what matters is where you are going and how you get there."

This quote emphasizes the importance of personal growth, determination, and direction in life rather than focusing on one's origins or past circumstances. It encourages individuals to strive towards their goals and to take responsibility for shaping their future, regardless of where they started in life. The method of progression – how one gets there – is equally significant as the destination itself, implying that perseverance, hard work, and resilience are essential traits in achieving success and fulfillment.


For a while, even in the house of good friends for dinner or for cocktails, they would really be upset. They thought I had single-handedly destroyed the best phone service in the world.

- Harold H. Greene

Thought, Upset, Cocktails

The attorney general would call at 5 o'clock in the evening and say: 'Tomorrow morning we are going to try to integrate the University of Mississippi. Get us a memo on what we're likely to do, and what we can do if the governor sends the National Guard there.'

- Harold H. Greene

University, Guard, Memo, Integrate

The real difference between the United States and other nations lies not in the words of the preamble to the Constitution, but in the fact that the substantive clauses of that Constitution are enforced by individuals independent of and not beholden to the elected branches.

- Harold H. Greene

United States, Preamble, Beholden

They say I am a regulator and I think it is just an effort not to comply with the decree. I do not do anything except what the decree requires me to do.

- Harold H. Greene

Think, Say, I Think, Comply

I could see flames from the windows of my chambers. For the next three or four days we had major rioting here in Washington and I stayed at the court day and night.

- Harold H. Greene

Next, Here, Rioting, Flames

You can't just lecture the poor that they shouldn't riot or go to extremes. You have to make the means of legal redress available.

- Harold H. Greene

Go, Available, Means, Redress

Once I was standing in line to buy a telephone and Senator Wirth was in line with me. The next day the New York Times reported that we'd both purchased telephones and what price we'd paid!

- Harold H. Greene

New, Next, Line, Telephones

I think it does work. The fact that the law is there and injustices can be rectified, I think has a lot to do with the fact that the people in this country aren't as frustrated as they are in some of these places in Eastern Europe and don't resort to violent revolution.

- Harold H. Greene

Country, Some, Violent, Injustices

The impression I have of Justice Warren is that he was looking for the just result in a case regardless of fixed dogma or principles and I like to think that I'm in that mold.

- Harold H. Greene

Think, Like, Dogma, Fixed

The testimony and the documentary evidence produced by the Government demonstrate that the Bell System had violated the antitrust laws in a number of ways over a lengthy period of time.

- Harold H. Greene

Over, Violated, Period, Bell

The traditional practice is that the justices don't ask the attorney general any questions, so as not to embarrass him. But Bobby Kennedy had let them know that he didn't mind if they asked him questions and they did.

- Harold H. Greene

Questions, Practice, Had, Justices

Every one of the world's dictatorships can and does claim to be acting in the name of the people.

- Harold H. Greene

World, Dictatorships, Does, Claim

Frequently you have a clash between the more sterile letter of the law and the justice that underlies it, and I think one of the things I've been trying more or less, where it was possible, is to go with the justice rather than the letter of the law.

- Harold H. Greene

Been, I Think, Rather, Sterile

I took the position from day one that it was the right decree, that the modifications I made to the decree were proper, that the correct outcome had been obtained, and that in due time all of that would become apparent. And it has become apparent.

- Harold H. Greene

Been, Took, Correct, Apparent

Defendants are being evaluated based on numerical grid without any aggravating circumstances being considered. The effect has been to transfer the disparity from the judge to the prosecutor allowing for a great deal of leeway on indictments.

- Harold H. Greene

Deal, Been, Considered, Leeway

I enjoyed the administrative work because it involved working with Congress, city council, and the mayor. I had never been a politician so it was fun - learning political maneuvering.

- Harold H. Greene

City, Congress, Been, City Council

The Sherman Act is similar in the economics sphere to the Bill of Rights in the personal sphere.

- Harold H. Greene

Act, Similar, Bill Of Rights, Sphere

Mandatory sentencing guidelines have become as complicated and detailed as the IRS code!

- Harold H. Greene

Code, Sentencing, Detailed, IRS

There would be nights when I would wake up and couldn't get back to sleep. So I would go downstairs and write. The staff had a pool going on how many pages of typing I would bring in here in the morning.

- Harold H. Greene

Wake Up, Here, Bring, Typing

If members of the security apparatus could, with impunity, keep from those elected by the people that which they're entitled to know - or worse, feed false information - those who could control the classified data could be the real decision makers.

- Harold H. Greene

Data, Entitled, Apparatus, Impunity

With competition everyone has to try harder.

- Harold H. Greene

Competition, Try, Everyone, Harder

The enforcement of the law cannot depend on the justice of a cause or one man's conscience.

- Harold H. Greene

Law, Depend, Conscience, Enforcement

People are intimidated in court, and I try to make them more comfortable.

- Harold H. Greene

Try, Comfortable, More, Court

I liked discussion and debate and thought that these skills fit well with law. I also had an interest in justice - and later learned that sometimes law and justice actually agree!

- Harold H. Greene

Law, Thought, Learned, Discussion

I'm a great believer in the competitive system, and think that competition will bring us greater innovation and put American industry in information ahead of everyone also.

- Harold H. Greene

Innovation, Think, Will, Believer

I don't think a judge should be too much involved in outside activities.

- Harold H. Greene

Think, Involved, Too, Judge

I don't want to be influenced by outside opinion.

- Harold H. Greene

Opinion, Want, Outside, Influenced

Competition is good and has served us well.

- Harold H. Greene

Good, Well, Served, Competition

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.