Zitat des Tages von John Paul Jones:
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.
When the enemies' land force is once conquered and expelled from the continent, our Marine will rise as if by enchantment and become, within the memory of persons now living, the wonder and envy of the world.
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.
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.
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.
Since human wisdom cannot secure us from accidents, it is the greatest effort of reason to bear them well.
I have not yet begun to fight!
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.
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.
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.
