It is not always possible to have everything go as one likes. In working with allies, it sometimes happens that they develop opinions of their own

An optimist sees the oportunity in every difficulty.

We proceeded systematically, village by village and we destroyed the houses, filled up the wells, blew down the towers, cut down the shady trees, burned the crops and broke the reservoirs in punitive devastation.

Politics are very much like war. We may even have to use poison gas at times.

He is like a female llama surprised in her bath.

How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity.

It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.