A biography for Donald Rumsfeldhasn’t been written yet.
“If in doubt, don't. If still in doubt, do what's right.”
“In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.”
“Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin's still learning.”
“Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House.”
“Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan forward to see where your steps will take you, which may not be clear or intuitive.”
“If a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought through well enough. If not well understood by the American people, it probably won't 'sail' anyway. Send it back for further thought.”
“If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random.”
“Oh my goodness gracious, what you can buy off the Internet in terms of overhead photography. A trained ape can know an awful lot of what is going on in this world, just by punching on his mouse, for a relatively modest cost.”
“Don't speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk in their shoes.”
“When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.”
“Politics is human beings; it's addition rather than subtraction.”
“I don't do quagmires.”
“Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.”
“If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.”
“Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate are not there by accident. Each managed to get there for some reason. Learn what it was and you will know something important about them, about our country and about the American people.”
“Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.”
“Learn to say 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often.”
“Those who made the decisions with imperfect knowledge will be judged in hindsight by those with considerably more information at their disposal and time for reflection.”
“Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.”
“Treat each federal dollar as if it was hard earned; it was - by a taxpayer.”