William J. Lederer
Born: 01-01-1912
William J. Lederer was an American author and U.S. Navy officer known for his insightful writings on Southeast Asia. Co-author of the influential novel "The Ugly American," he highlighted U.S. diplomatic shortcomings and cultural misunderstandings. Born in 1912, Lederer served in various roles, including a naval attaché and journalist. His works often drew from his extensive military and international experience, advocating for more effective foreign relations.
Book summaries for books written by William J. Lederer
Quotes
Hell, we're not here to do the things we like. We're here to do the things we're told.
The most important thing a man has to tell you is what he's not telling you.
It's a strange world. Everybody's working hard, and nobody's happy.
The best way to get along with a foreign culture is not to try to change it.
The trouble with most Americans is that they don't know what they want until they get it.
The hardest thing to acquire is the faculty of being able to put ourselves in someone else's place and to appreciate how the world looks from that point of view.
The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.
You have to know what you want. And if it seems worth it, you have to have the guts to go after it.
There's no one so sure of his premises as the man who knows too little.
You can't talk yourself out of a problem you behaved yourself into.
The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.
You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.