“Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating.”

“Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased. The reason of this is, that we do not gain all our experience at once, but by degrees; so our determinations continue to be assailed incessantly by fresh experience; and the mind, if we may use the expression, must always be under arms.”

“The aggressor is always peace-loving (as Bonaparte always claimed to be); he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.”

“The conqueror is always a lover of peace; he would prefer to take over our country unopposed.”

“Boldness governed by superior intellect is the mark of a hero.”

“The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.”

“If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.”