“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.”
- January 26, 1880 – April 5, 1964
- American
- General of the Army, Military Leader, Supreme Commander in the Pacific Theater during World War II
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Quote
“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.”
Explanation
This quote, drawn from Douglas MacArthur’s famous “Prayer for His Son,” expresses a profound hope for moral character and integrity, transcending mere strength or success. MacArthur prays for a son who embodies self-awareness, courage, humility, and emotional maturity. To be “strong enough to know when he is weak” is to embrace vulnerability and recognize limits—not as flaws, but as a gateway to growth. Similarly, “brave enough to face himself when he is afraid” calls for introspection, the courage to confront inner fears rather than escape them.
The prayer goes on to emphasize a noble attitude toward both failure and triumph: MacArthur wishes for a son who is “proud and unbending in honest defeat,” suggesting dignity in loss when it results from true effort, and “humble and gentle in victory,” recognizing that success should never breed arrogance. These qualities reflect a philosophy of leadership rooted in character rather than domination, and speak to MacArthur’s deeper ideals beyond the battlefield.
In modern life, this quote resonates deeply for parents, educators, and leaders seeking to instill values in younger generations. It encourages the cultivation of resilience without pride, strength tempered by empathy, and self-awareness as a path to true greatness. MacArthur’s words endure as a model of aspirational fatherhood and the timeless pursuit of virtue in a complex world.
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