I could heartily wish that every commission officer was to be previously examined; for, to my certain knowledge, there are persons who have already crept into commission without abilities or fit qualification: I am myself far from desiring to be excused.

John Paul Jones

More Quotes by John Paul Jones
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More Quotes From John Paul Jones
If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultiv... by John Paul Jones

If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.

John Paul Jones
mastery stronger faith

It is by no means enough that an officer should be capable. . . . He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor. . . . No meritorious act of a subordinate should escape his attention, even if the reward be only one word of approval. Conversely, he should not be blind to a single fault in any subordinate.

John Paul Jones
gentleman honor mean

I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way.

John Paul Jones
military fear life
I have not yet begun to fight! by John Paul Jones

I have not yet begun to fight!

John Paul Jones
memorial-day military war
He who will not risk cannot win. by John Paul Jones

He who will not risk cannot win.

John Paul Jones
inexorable risk winning
It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that t... by John Paul Jones

It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win.

John Paul Jones
risk law winning
Whoever can surprise well must conquer. by John Paul Jones

Whoever can surprise well must conquer.

John Paul Jones
world-war-2 uprising surprise
It is true that I must run a great risk; no gallant action was ev... by John Paul Jones

It is true that I must run a great risk; no gallant action was ever accomplished without danger.

John Paul Jones
risk action running

An honorable Peace is and always was my first wish! I can take no delight in the effusion of human Blood; but, if this War should continue, I wish to have the most active part in it.

John Paul Jones
wish war blood
You understand why some animals eat their young. by John Paul Jones

You understand why some animals eat their young.

John Paul Jones
chemistry young animal
Where men of fine feeling are concerned there is seldom misunders... by John Paul Jones

Where men of fine feeling are concerned there is seldom misunderstanding.

John Paul Jones
fine feelings men
I would lay down my life for America but I cannot trifle with my... by John Paul Jones

I would lay down my life for America but I cannot trifle with my Honor.

John Paul Jones
trifles honor america
I may sink, but I'll be damned if I strike! by John Paul Jones

I may sink, but I'll be damned if I strike!

John Paul Jones
strikes military may
Nothing exciting ever happens to me. by John Paul Jones

Nothing exciting ever happens to me.

John Paul Jones
exciting happens
...without a Respectable Navy, Alas America! by John Paul Jones

...without a Respectable Navy, Alas America!

John Paul Jones
naval navy america
I wish to have no connections to a ship that does not sail fast;... by John Paul Jones

I wish to have no connections to a ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go into harm's way.

John Paul Jones

A captain of the Navy ought to be a man of strong and well connected sense, with a tolerable good education, a gentleman, as well as a seaman both in theory and practice.

John Paul Jones
good man gentleman education

America has been the country of my fond election from the age of thirteen, when I first saw it. I had the honour to hoist with my own hands the flag of freedom, the first time it was displayed, on the Delaware; and I have attended it with veneration ever since on the ocean.

John Paul Jones
freedom ocean age time

Since human wisdom cannot secure us from accidents, it is the greatest effort of reason to bear them well.

John Paul Jones
accidents effort wisdom reason

I have sacrificed not only my favorite scheme of life, but the softer affections of the heart, and my prospects of domestic happiness, and I am ready to sacrifice my life also, with cheerfulness, if that forfeiture could restore peace and good will among mankind.

John Paul Jones
good heart happiness life