Famous quotes

Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,158,808 quotes Who coined it · How we decide

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“The most important battle is one to conquer yourself.”
Yanni (born 1954) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[On Tony Blair and George W. Bush] They have lied to the British air force and navy when they said the battle of Iraq would be very quick and easy. They attacked Iraq like wolves. They attacked civilians. It is better for Blair and Bush to stop this crime and this catastrophe. It is time for them to return to the UN security council and give diplomacy a chance.”
George Galloway (born 1954) first seen 2003 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Abu Dhabi TV (28 March 2003), as quoted in The Guardian (1 April 2003).
“The battle for a sane policy for controlling unwanted species will be a long and difficult one. The publication of Silent Spring was neither the beginning nor the end of that struggle.”
Rachel Carson (1907–1964) said by 1964 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Weave no more silks, ye Lyons looms, To deck our girls for gay delights! The crimson flower of battle blooms, And solemn marches fill the nights.”
Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) first seen 1861 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Our Orders" in The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 8, no. 45 (July 1861) p. 1
“[W]hen I am told that my ploughmen are capable citizens, it seems to me ridiculous to say that educated women are not just as capable. A good deal of the political battle of the future will be a conflict between religion and unbelief: & the women will in that controversy be on the right side.”
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1830–1903) first seen 1860 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Letter to Lady John Manners (14 June 1884), quoted in Paul Smith (ed.), Lord Salisbury on Politics: A Selection From His Articles in the Quarterly Review, 1860–83 (1972), p. 18, footnote
“The conflict which we have to fight is still a conflict of tariffs. In every country resolutions are being formed and plans are being worked out for limiting still further the intercourse of nations with each other and interposing new barriers of tariff. ... And as years go on we shall have to fight that battle. ... It is the world's conflict of the future.”
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1830–1903) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech in the Mansion House, London (10 November 1890), quoted in The Times (11 November 1890), p. 4
“The battle was over. Our casualties were some thirteen thousand killed--thirteen thousand minds, memories, loves, sensations, worlds, universes--because the human mind is more a universe than the universe itself--and all for a few hundred yards of useless mud.”
John Fowles (1926–2005) said by 2005 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The battle between cuckoos and other birds is a continuing one. The cuckoos developing new stratagems and perhaps finding new victims, and the victims finding new defences.”
David Attenborough (born 1926) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Any forthcoming dispute was likely to be a battle between ignorance of one sort and ignorance of another.”
Michael Moorcock (born 1939) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It's never over, al'Thor. The battle's never done.”
Robert Jordan (1948–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A beautiful battle is one you don't have to fight.”
Robert Jordan (1948–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To fight the raven you may make alliance with the serpent until the battle is done.”
Robert Jordan (1948–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Not a single one, not a single one among us, in 200 years, has won a battle... and this is what it is to be colonized! When we have but martyrs! How can we have aspirations!? How can we have the will to fight!?”
Pierre Bourgault (1934–2003) said by 2003 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It requires courage to make a frontal attack on nature through the broad planes and the large lines and it is cowardly to do it by the facets and details. It is a battle.”
Edgar Degas (1834–1917) said by 1917 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“For a while longer you may be able to carry on with your plundering and murderous crimes, but you will not escape your ultimate fate. We shall exhaust and then destroy you in a difficult and prolonged battle. When one of us falls, there are tens of others who will rise. Our death is no ordinary death and our life no ordinary life.”
Ashraf Dehghani (born 1948) first seen 1971 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Torture and Resistance in Iran, 1971
“A great work by an Englishman is like a great battle won by England. It is an unfading bay tree.”
Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889) first seen 1886 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Letter to Robert Bridges (13 October 1886)
“No battle can be won in the study, and theory without practice is dead.”
Alexander Suvorov (1730–1800) said by 1800 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in K. Ossipov, "Suvorov", 1945.
“One minute decides the outcome of a battle, one hour the success of a campaign, one day the fate of empires.”
Alexander Suvorov (1730–1800) first seen 1504 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Encyclopedia of Russian History" - Page 1504 by James R. Millar - Soviet Union - 2004.
“Time, they say, must the best of us capture, And travel and battle and gems and gold No more can kindle the ancient rapture, For even the youngest of hearts grows old.”
John Buchan (1875–1940) said by 1940 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This man has home and child and wife And battle set for every day. This man has God and love and life; These stand, all else shall pass away.”
Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918) said by 1918 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“With his eland meat Brow was able to reinforce his political position among the men—and buy access to the women, which was ultimately the only purpose of his endless battle for dominance.”
Stephen Baxter (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“O surely this morning all sorrow is hidden, All battle is hushed for this even at least; And no one this noontide may hunger, unbidden To the flowers and the singing and the joy of your feast Where silent ye sit midst the world's tale increased.”
William Morris (1834–1896) said by 1896 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I pondered all these things, and how men fight and lose the battle, and the thing that they fought for comes about in spite of their defeat, and when it comes turns out not to be what they meant, and other men have to fight for what they meant under another name.”
William Morris (1834–1896) said by 1896 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A battle with the Netherlands must be a surprise on our part, we must suddenly present ourselves there with weapons, disrupt the order, and keep the provinces that want to join, let the others go free as they please.”
Leopold II of Belgium (1835–1909) said by 1909 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Every human being on this earth is born with a tragedy, and it isn't original sin. He's born with the tragedy that he has to grow up. That he has to leave the nest, the security, and go out to do battle. He has to lose everything that is lovely and fight for a new loveliness of his own making, and it's a tragedy. A lot of people don't have the courage to do it.”
Helen Hayes (1900–1993) first seen 1966 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Showcase (1966) by Roy Newquist
“The exploits of your leaders in many a historic field of battle; the progress of your Revolution; the rise and career of the great Atatürk, his revitalization of your nation by his great statesmanship, courage and foresight all these stirring events are well-known to the people of Pakistan.”
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948) first seen 1948 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Reply to the speech made by the first Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan at the time of presenting Credentials to the Quaid-i-Azam (4 March 1948)
“I caught glimpses of white-clad figures striding purposefully to and fro, heard men's voices calling each other in tones of authority and urgency, as if life had suddenly become more serious, as if battle were in prospect.”
L. P. Hartley (1895–1972) said by 1972 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Family farmers are small farmers who love the land. They're still not getting enough money for their product and are rapidly losing their battle to stay in business. By helping the American family farmer, we will in turn help ourselves out of the economic hole that we find ourselves in today. It doesn't really matter how we got here; the point is, we have to dig our way out.”
Willie Nelson (born 1933) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let the dogs of the empire bark, that's their job; ours is to battle to achieve the true liberation of our people.”
Hugo Chávez (1954–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We have to strengthen ourselves, our will to do battle, our awareness. We have to build a new and better world.”
Hugo Chávez (1954–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The essence of liberalism is negotiation, a cautious half measure, in the hope that the definitive dispute, the decisive bloody battle, can be transformed into a parliamentary debate and permit the decision to be suspended forever in an everlasting discussion.”
Carl Schmitt (1888–1985) said by 1985 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Debunking bad science should be constant obligation of the science community, even if it takes time away from serious research or seems to be a losing battle. One takes comfort from the fact there is no Gresham's laws in science. In the long run, good science drives out bad.”
Martin Gardner (1914–2010) first seen 1996 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Night Is Large (1996), Introduction to Part III, Pseudoscience p. 171
“There is a breed of men who do not deserve the name of Germans. I trust that the entire nation will find the strength to beat back their outrageous attacks. If that does not occur, I shall have to call on you, my Guards, for protection against the gang of traitors and for leading the battle which will free us from such elements.”
Wilhelm II, German Emperor (1859–1941) first seen 1895 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech (2 September 1895), quoted in Michael Balfour, The Kaiser and His Times (London: Penguin, 1975), p. 159
“The battle is won, the English have been utterly defeated.”
Wilhelm II, German Emperor (1859–1941) first seen 1918 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Georg Alexander von Müller's diary entry (23 March 1918) after the first German successes of the Spring Offensive, quoted in Georg Alexander von Müller, The Kaiser and His Court (London: Macdonald, 1961), p. 344
“Germany is in no need of fresh military glory, nor does she require any new conquests, for she has already obtained once for all, on the field of battle, the right to exist as an united and independent nation.”
Wilhelm II, German Emperor (1859–1941) said by 1941 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Should it ever happen that the British and German Navies have to fight side by side against a common foe, then the famous signal "England expects that every man will do his duty," which England's greatest naval hero gave out before the battle of Trafalgar, will find an echo in the patriotic heart of the German Navy.”
Wilhelm II, German Emperor (1859–1941) said by 1941 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is the power of tradition which on the field of battle as well as in peace makes men's heart beat higher for king and country, and inspires them to brave deeds.”
Wilhelm II, German Emperor (1859–1941) said by 1941 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“And about this time I had a vision — and I saw white spirits and black spirits engaged in battle, and the sun was darkened – the thunder rolled in the Heavens, and blood flowed in streams – and I heard a voice saying, "Such is your luck, such you are called to see, and let it come rough or smooth, you must surely bear it.”
Nat Turner (1800–1831) said by 1831 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The little jihad is over, and now we have the bigger jihad - the bigger battle is achieving security and economic growth.”
Mahmoud Abbas (born 1935) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Campaign speech in Gaza City (20 August 2005), quoted in The New York Times (21 August) Hamas Pushing for Lead Role in a New Gaza by James Bennet
“This warrior says you must fight him for the leadership," said Bran, and Kull, eyes glittering with growing battle-joy, nodded: "I guessed as much. Give us space." "A shield and a helmet!" shouted Bran, but Kull shook his head. "I need none," he growled. "Back and give us room to swing our steel!”
Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) said by 1936 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The best pulp writer was Robert E. Howard... He painted in about the broadest strokes imaginable. A mass of glimmering black for the menace, an ice-blue cascade for the hero, between them a swathe of crimson for battle, passion, blood—and that was the picture, or story, rather, except where a vivid detail might chance to spring to life, or a swift thought-arabesque be added.”
Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) said by 1936 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Fritz Leiber, Howard’s Style, in Amra magazine, Vol. II, No. 17, 1961. Reprinted in The Spell of Conan, edited by L. Sprague de Camp, Ace Books, 1980, pp. 263.
“We want a man whose life and opinions embody all the achievements of which I have spoken. We want a man who, standing on a mountain height, traces the victorious footsteps of our party in the past, and, carrying in his heart the memory of its glorious deeds, looks forward prepared to meet the dangers to come. We want one who will act in no spirit of unkindness toward those we lately met in battle.”
James A. Garfield (1831–1881) said by 1881 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have had a son killed, a son-in-law die during the last battle of Nashville, another son has thrown himself away, a second son-in-law is in no better condition, I think I have had sorrow enough without having my bank account examined by a Committee of Congress.”
Andrew Johnson (1808–1875) first seen 1867 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Letter to his friend Colonel William G. Moore, complaining of Congressional investigations.... (1 May 1867).
“We can’t stand neutral in this battle of ideas. We have to back those who share our values.”
David Cameron (born 1966) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Since a week ago last Saturday, we can no longer expect them to defend the law of God. These sects will work out the very logic of their ways, and in 50 or 100 years there will be only the Catholic Church and paganism. We will be left to fight the battle alone, and we will.”
Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) first seen 1931 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in the Birth Control Review, May 1931, vol. XV, no. 5., pp. 143-144. Reaction to the report of the Federal Council of Churches in America which, in March 1931, "endorsed 'the careful and restrained use of contrac…
“Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.”
Stonewall Jackson (1824–1863) first seen 1861 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speaking to Captain John D. Imboden (24 July 1861), as quoted in Stonewall Jackson As Military Commander (2000) by John Selby, p. 25; sometimes quoted as "My religious beliefs teach me...
“Generals and Majors ah ah They're never too far away from men who made the grade out in a world of their own They'll never come down until the battle's lost or made”
Colin Moulding (born 1955) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Innate sentic detectors could help by teaching children about their own affective states. For if distinct signals arouse specific states, the child can associate those signals with those states. Just knowing that such states exist, that is, having symbols for them, is half the battle.”
Marvin Minsky (1927–2016) said by 2016 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Love is a battle," said Marie-Claude, still smiling. "And I plan to go on fighting. To the end.”
Milan Kundera (1929–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I've got a theory about how to handle these retired generals causing all this trouble: Don't let them retire! Come on, we've got a stop-loss program; let's use it on these guys. I've seen Zinni and that crowd on Wolf Blitzer. If you're strong enough to go on one of those pundit shows, you're strong enough to stand on a bank of computers and order men into battle. Come on.”
Stephen Colbert (born 1964) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source