When I was younger I made it a rule never to take strong drink before lunch. It is now my rule never to do so before breakfast.

Gentleman, I am hardening on this enterprise. I repeat, I am now hardening towards this enterprise.

The Navy can lose us the war, but only the Air Force can win it. Therefore our supreme effort must be to gain overwhelming mastery in the Air. The Fighters are our salvation . . . but the Bombers alone provide the means of victory. . . . In no other way at present visible can we hope to overcome the immense military power of Germany.

... I think it would be so much better for me to learn something which would be useful to me in the army, as well as affording me exercise and amusement.

My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them.

All the great things are simple.

I always seem to get inspiration and renewed vitality by contact with this great novel land of yours which sticks up out of the Atlantic.