There are plenty of good ideas, if only they can be backed with the power of action.
There is, therefore, wisdom in reserving one’s decisions as long as possible and until all the facts and forces that will be potent at the moment are revealed.
If I had my way, I would write the word ‘insure’ over every door of every cottage and upon the blotting pad of every public man, because I am convinced that, for sacrifice that are conceivably small, families can be secured against catastrophes which otherwise would smash them forever.
I do not see any other way of realizing our hopes about World Organization in five or six days. Even the Almighty took seven.
Go into the sunshine and be happy with what you see.
I have found in my experience of war, that plans are useless, but planning is invaluable.
The person must be blind, indeed, who can not see, that here on earth a great project, a great plan, is executed, may work on the realization of which we participate as faithful servants.
Rules were made for fools to follow and wise men to be guided by.
We have no lasting friends, no lasting enemies, only lasting interests.
My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars.
I love learning, but hate being taught.
Manifest destiny was on the march, and it was unfortunate that Mexico stood in the path.
I’m too busy. I have no time for worry.
It is not always possible to have everything go as one likes. In working with allies, it sometimes happens that they develop opinions of their own.
The Russians will try all the rooms in a house, enter those that are not locked, and when they come to one that cannot be broken into, they will withdraw and invite you to dine genially that same evening.
It is easier to give directions than advice, and more agreeable to have the right to act, even in a limited sphere, than the privilege to talk at large.
Any clever person can make plans for winning a war if he has no responsibility for carrying them out.
The monarchy is so extraordinarily useful. When Britain wins a battle she shouts, “God save the Queen”; when she loses, she votes down the prime minister.
Free speech carries with it the evil of all foolish, unpleasant venomous things that are said but, on the whole, we would rather lump them than do away with them.
Personally I think that private property has a right to be defended. Our civilisation is built up on property, and can only be defended by private property.