![James 'Mad Dog' Mattis is asked what keeps him awake at night — his response screams 'Merica](https://www.theblaze.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=18899761&width=980&quality=85)
Defense Secretary James Mattis says nothing keeps him up at night, but his job is to keep others up at night. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Secretary of Defense James "Mad Dog" Mattis is known for his brutally honest quotes about war and his overall effectiveness as a military leader. Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps Times named him the "most revered Marine in a generation."
On Sunday, Mattis personified his reputation during an interview with CBS "Face the Nation" host John Dickerson.
During the wide-ranging interview, Dickerson and Mattis discussed the number of threats currently facing America, like unrest in the Middle East, the Islamic State and North Korea.
But when Dickerson inquired what keeps him up at night, Mattis didn't hesitate to answer.
"What keeps you awake at night?" Dickerson asked.
Without skipping a beat or batting an eye, Mattis replied: "Nothing. I keep other people awake at night."
Indeed, Mattis was dead serious.
Sec. Mattis on what keeps him awake at night pic.twitter.com/KtNgTfYeB2
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) May 28, 2017
The 4-star Marine general is known for his memorable quotes. See some below:
Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.
I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.
I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f*ck with me, I’ll kill you all.
The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.
The quote, which came during Memorial Day weekend, was widely praised on social media:
@FaceTheNation @redsteeze Guns carry Mattis for protection.
— Jen Goode (@jensgoodes) May 28, 2017
@jensgoodes @redsteeze @FaceTheNation Full Mattis Jacket
— CCCP Sergio (@Dusseldorf_Br) May 28, 2017
@FaceTheNation GOLD
— sam smeltzer (@elyon113) May 28, 2017
@FaceTheNation HOOAH!!! That's how a leader of our armed forces is supposed to speak!!! I salute you sir! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 #MAGA #happymemorialday
— davidvnyc (@davidvnyc) May 28, 2017
@FaceTheNation @laurenpaige1985 I was kept awake at night the last 8 years, from an incompetent pres.
— D Sims (@Belair19571988) May 28, 2017
Nothing keeps me awake at night now.
Adults in Charge#MadDog#MAGA