They whose minds are least sensitive to calamity, and whose hands are most quick to meet it, are the greatest men and the greatest communities.

Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

Hope is an expensive commodity. It makes better sense to be prepared.

One's sense of honor is the only thing that does not grow old, and the last pleasure, when one is worn out with age, is not, as the poet said, making money, but having the respect of one's fellow men.

Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.

Stories happen to those who tell them.

In practice we always base our preparations against an enemy on the assumption that his plans are good; indeed, it is right to rest our hopes not on a belief in his blunders, but on the soundness of our provisions. Nor ought we to believe that there is much difference between man and man, but to think that the superiority lies with him who is reared in the severest school.