“Depend on no one else to give you what you want”

“The third guy was different. He was what you got when you ate squirrels for four generations. Smarter than a rat and tougher than a goat, and jumpier than either one.”

“Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper.”

“A person less fortunate than yourself deserves the best you can give. Because of duty, and honor, and service. You understand those words? You should do your job right, and you should do it well, simply because you can, without looking for notice or reward.”

“What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”

“Always start out with a larger pot than what you think you need.”

“I have to warn you. I promised my mother, a long time ago. She said I had to give folks a chance to walk away.”