"Only one officer runs the Marine Corps" : the role of the commandant -- "General, will you do me the honor..." : selection of the commandant -- "Destiny hangs by a slender thread" : making the decision to join the Marine Corps -- "Think of yourself as the institution" : decisionmaking -- "You have to be heard, and you have to be felt" : the importance of presence -- "We will not compromise on this" : having the character to challenge -- "Don't ignore the yesterdays of war" : the importance of reading -- "As a teacher does a scholar" : mentorship -- "Time with people is never wasted" : consideration -- "Authority and responsibility are inseparable" : accountability -- "Miracles must be wrought if victories are to be won" : character and leadership -- "The Marine way of life" : the pattern for success.