There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.
 Ulysses S. Grant, Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant (1885). copy citation

Context

“The original ebook, which was split into several small files, may be found by clicking on this link. DW
PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF U. S. GRANT by Ulysses S. Grant PREFACE. "Man proposes and God disposes." There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice.
Although frequently urged by friends to write my memoirs I had determined never to do so, nor to write anything for publication. At the age of nearly sixty-two I received an injury from a fall, which confined me closely to the house while it did not apparently affect my general health.” source

Meaning and analysis

write a note
report