All Quotes by John Paul Jones
“The common class of mankind are actuated by no nobler principle than that of self-interest; this and this alone determines all adventurers in privateers: the owners, as well as those whom they employ.”
“If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.”
“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.”
“If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.”
“It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win.”
“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.”
“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.”