John Paul Jones

Soldier

1747-07-06

Quotes by John Paul Jones

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

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

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• 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.

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• I must repeat what I asserted formerly, that unless some happy expedient can be fallen upon to induce the seamen to enter into the service for a longer term than twelve months, it will never be possible to bring them under proper subordination; and subordination is as necessary, nay, far more so in the fleet than in the army.

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• It is with great pleasure that I see the political system of almost every power in Europe changing in our favor since the news of our late successes.

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• Though I have drawn my sword in the present generous struggle for the rights of men, yet I am not in arms as an American, nor am I in pursuit of riches. My fortune is liberal enough, having no wife nor family, and having lived long enough to know that riches cannot ensure happiness.

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• 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.

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• I profess myself a citizen of the world, totally unfettered by the little, mean distinctions of climate or of country, which diminish the benevolence of the heart and set bounds to philanthropy.

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• Whoever can surprise well must conquer.

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

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• I have not yet begun to fight.

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