17 of the most legendary quotes from James Mattis, four-star Marine general turned Defense Secretary

Jenny Cheng,Rebecca HarringtonMar 31, 2018, 23:45 IST

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis walks past saluting cadets as he arrives for commencement ceremonies at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, U.S., May 27, 2017.REUTERS/Mike Segar

Defense Secretary James Mattis was legendary long before he agreed to join President Donald Trump's Cabinet.

The retired four-star general spent 44 years in the US Marine Corps, working his way up to Commander of US Central Command.

He's been called "Mad Dog" Mattis (a nickname he detests), "Warrior Monk" (because he's such an intellectual), and is beloved and respected by fellow Marines.

Mattis also has some of the best quotes of any general around. Here are 17 of his best.

This post is based on a previous story by Paul Szoldra.

See 17 of the most legendary quotes from James Mattis, four-star Marine general turned Defense Secretary >>

On meeting new people:

On collateral damage:

On taking a life:

Warning US enemies:

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

17 of the most legendary quotes from James Mattis, four-star Marine general turned Defense Secretary

On meeting new people:

On collateral damage:

On taking a life:

Warning US enemies:

On foes opposing the US military:

On failure:

On the business of war:

On defeating Al Qaeda:

On the US Marines:

On using your head:

On presentations:

On leadership:

On fighting for democracy:

On treachery:

On thinking things through:

On what it means to be a US Marine:

On combat: