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A navy is essentially and necessarily aristocratic. True as may be the political principles for which we are now contending they can never be practically applied or even admitted on board ship, out of port, or off soundings. This may seem a hardship, but it is nevertheless the simplest of truths. Whilst the ships sent forth by the Congress may and must fight for the principles of human rights and republican freedom, the ships themselves must be ruled and commanded at sea under a system of absolute despotism.

— John Paul Jones

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War

More quotes by John Paul Jones

Where men of fine feeling are concerned there is seldom misunderstanding.

I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way.

I have not yet begun to fight!

I may sink, but I'll be damned if I strike!

Whoever can surprize well must Conquer.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Paul Jones (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.