Quote of the day by Ulysses S. Grant: 'In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves...' - motivational quote by the 18th president of the US teaches life lessons on winning, why persistence matters when you feel defeated and why giving up may be the a mistake in a fight

Quote of the day by Ulysses S. Grant: Difficult moments have a way of making even ordinary challenges feel overwhelming. When progress slows down and the effort required starts to feel greater than the reward, giving up can seem like the most sensible option. Yet some of the biggest turning points come when people decide to continue despite feeling tired, uncertain, or defeated. Persistence does not guarantee an easy path, but it can keep the possibility of success alive when everything seems to be working against you. This idea has often been associated with Ulysses S. Grant, the American military leader and politician who played a major role in the Civil War. His words about battle offer a lesson that can extend beyond military conflict. They focus on a moment when both sides are struggling and neither feels certain of victory.

Quote of the Day Today: Ulysses S. Grant on Persistence

Ulysses S. Grant said, “In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins,” as per BrainyQuote.

What Does Ulysses S. Grant’s Quote Mean

Grant’s words describe a point in a battle when both sides become exhausted and believe they have been defeated. At that moment, the side that continues the effort may gain the advantage.


The idea can also be applied to challenges in everyday life. Difficult circumstances can make people question whether continuing is worthwhile, but persistence can sometimes change the outcome.

Life Lesson From Ulysses S. Grant’s Quote

The quote offers a simple lesson about perseverance. Feeling tired or discouraged does not necessarily mean that a goal is out of reach.

Sometimes, continuing to make an effort when circumstances are difficult can create an opportunity that would otherwise be missed.

Who Was Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant’s life took him from an uncertain military career and failed business ventures to becoming a leading Union general and the 18th president of the United States. His rise during the Civil War made him one of the most important figures in the Union victory.

Ulysses S. Grant’s early life and West Point years

Born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio, Grant initially had little interest in military life. He attended West Point and graduated in 1843, ranking 21st in a class of 39, as per a Britannica report. He distinguished himself in horsemanship and mathematics and later served in the Mexican-American War.

Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War victories

Grant returned to military service when the Civil War began in 1861 and quickly rose through the Union ranks. His victory at Fort Donelson in 1862 and capture of Vicksburg in 1863 established him as a leading Union commander.

Ulysses S. Grant takes command of the Union armies

In March 1864, Grant was placed in command of all U.S. armies. His strategy helped keep Robert E. Lee’s forces pinned near Richmond while other Union armies advanced through the South. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant becomes US president

Grant won the 1868 presidential election and became the 18th president of the United States. His administration supported civil rights, the Fifteenth Amendment, and the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, as per the Britannica report. However, several scandals involving government officials later overshadowed his presidency.

Ulysses S. Grant’s final years and famous memoirs

After leaving office in 1877, Grant traveled around the world before suffering financial losses when Grant and Ward collapsed in 1884. Despite severe throat pain caused by cancer, he completed his memoirs shortly before his death on July 23, 1885.

Grant’s memoirs were praised for their modesty, candor, restraint and humor and remain highly regarded among military autobiographies.