John Paul Jones Quotes

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

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

I have not yet begun to fight!

He who will not risk cannot win.

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

Whoever can surprise well must conquer.

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

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.

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

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

You understand why some animals eat their young.

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

Nothing exciting ever happens to me.

...without a Respectable Navy, Alas America!

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

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.

If fear is cultivated it will become stronger. If faith is cultivated it will achieve the mastery ... faith is the stronger emotion because it is positive whereas fear is negative.

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