John Paul Jones

“I have not yet begun to fight!”

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

“An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.”

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

“It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more.”

“He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor.”

“Men mean more than guns in the rating of a ship.”

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

“Whoever can surprise well must conquer.”

“The flag and the freedom of our country are in your keeping. Be brave, be disciplined, and be true to the trust that is in you.”