Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Ours is a fully democratic government, which in our language we call a people's government.

I am my own policeman.

Do you want to be a man of today or a man of tomorrow?

I was born as a soldier and will die as one.

I am mortal. I want the nation to get used to freedom before I die.

I always give much attention to military character and to psychological and morale conditions.

Our aim is not to die. It is to carry out the revolution, to make a reality of our ideas. We must live, to get them accepted by the people.

Greatness consists in deciding only what is necessary for the welfare of the country and making straight for the goal.

The happiest ones are those who have a character which would prefer their services to be unknown to all generations.

Would not obeying to my mother's warnings, who is at least 25 years older than me, be returning to the past? And rebelling against her would mean ruining my mother's, who, I am convinced that, is a virtuous high woman, heart and evaluations. I do not find this right, either.

There are two Mustafa Kemals: one is I, the flesh and bone Mustafa Kemal... the scond Mustafa Kemal I cannot describe with the word 'I.' That Mustafa Kemal is not I - it is 'We.' That Mustafa Kemal is the enlightened and warrior collectivity that is striving for the new thought, the new life, and the Great Ideal on every corner of this country.

I will lead my people by the hand along the road until their feet are sure and they know the way. Then they may choose for themselves and rule themselves. Then my work will be done.

I have established the republic. But today it is not clear whether the form of government is a republic, a dictatorship, or personal rule.

No country is free unless it is democratic.

I have a reputation for drinking a lot. Indeed, I drink quite much. However, I give it up when I wish to do so. I never, ever drink while on duty. The drinking is only for my pleasure. I do not remember neglecting my duties because of drinking even once.

I am pleased, with a feeling of good fortune, to be from Selanik. If you want to know the truth better, I feel that my chest is overflowing with a feeling of pride.

Everything we see in the world is the creative work of women.

Unless a nation's life faces peril, war is murder.

My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go.

I do not want history to record me as someone who has bequeathed to his nation the institution of despotism.