It is true that I must run a great risk; no gallant action was ever accomplished without danger. John Paul Jones More Quotes by John Paul Jones More Quotes From 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! John Paul Jones memorial-day military war 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 those who will not risk cannot win. John Paul Jones risk law winning Whoever can surprise well must conquer. John Paul Jones world-war-2 uprising surprise 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. John Paul Jones chemistry young animal 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 Honor. John Paul Jones trifles honor america I may sink, but I'll be damned if I strike! John Paul Jones strikes military may Nothing exciting ever happens to me. John Paul Jones exciting happens ...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; 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 My desire for fame is infinite. John Paul Jones infinite desire fame