John Paul Jones Quotations

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

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.

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.

It is true that I must run a great risk; no gallant action was ever accomplished without danger.

Nothing exciting ever happens to me.

One slightly naughty thing I was thinking as I was watching the MTV thing, is how many people it took to replace me, and how few people it's taken me to replace them.

I've never actually seen a tribute band. I can't really get a hold of the concept. To me, it's old material. I have no interest in it. I want to see what's coming now.

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.

I have not yet begun to fight!