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It was the same with the whole Russian machine. Fear was the impulse. For them it was always safer to advance than retreat. Advance against the enemy and the bullet might miss you. Retreat, evade, betray and the bullet would never miss.

— Ian Fleming Casino Royale (1953)

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Fear

More quotes by Ian Fleming

You only live twice:
Once when you are born
And once when you look death in the face.

You Only Live Twice (1964)

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.

You Only Live Twice (1964)

Never say ‘no’ to adventures. Always say ‘yes’, otherwise you’ll lead a very dull life.

Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang (1964)

Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make bored.

He disagreed with something that ate him.

Live and Let Die (1954)

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To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.

Bertrand Russell Marriage and Morals (1929)

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.

William James The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy (1897)

There is no governor anywhere; you are all absolutely free. There is no restraint that cannot be escaped.

Robert Anton Wilson

Most intellectual people do not believe in God, but they fear him just the same.

Wilhelm Reich Philosophy : An Introduction to the Art of Wondering (2005)

Attribution

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