43 Quotes by John Paul Jones

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

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

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

You understand why some animals eat their young.

...without a Respectable Navy, Alas America!

People ask, `What was it like when you wrote Stairway to Heaven?' As if three wisemen had come knocking on the door, `Excuse me, are you writing Stairway to Heaven here?'

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.

Whoever can surprise well must conquer.

He who will not risk cannot win.