The biggest battle is the war against ignorance.
Science is the most reliable guide in life.
God is my witness that up to now, my only aspiration in life is to be a useful element within the army! I have for long been convinced that, to safeguard the country and give happiness to the people, it is necessary first of all to prove once more to the world that our army is still the old Turkish army.
The necessary thing for anyone to be happy and contented as long as he lives is working for the ones who will come after him rather than working for himself... One can reach the true delight and happiness in the life only by working for the existence, honor, and happiness of the future generations.
Everything we see in the world is the creative work of women.
I do not want history to record me as someone who has bequeathed to his nation the institution of despotism.
I always give much attention to military character and to psychological and morale conditions.
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.
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.
No country is free unless it is democratic.
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.
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.
Unless a nation's life faces peril, war is murder.
I am my own policeman.
I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.