Arthur Wellesley

"The presence of discipline in any army is the measure of the efficiency and morality of that army."

"A man is never more honestly employed than when he is making money."

"Experience is the only true knowledge."

"I have no sympathy with the fashions of our times."

"All the business of war, and indeed almost all the business of life, is to endeavour to find out what you do not know by what you do."

"I am very sorry to say that I have not been able to persuade the people of England to agree with me about the value of the science of fortifications."

"The fact is, I am too much occupied with business to write long letters."

"You may depend upon it that I take care of my own affairs and those of the public at the same time."

"Nothing is more important than to ascertain the true value of a man's exertions."

"I do not see that I can do better than I do."

"The human condition is the true subject of all history."

"I have not been accustomed to see that the principles of a man's life depend on his circumstances."

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

"It is not the business of a military commander to concern himself with the political reasons for the prosecution of a war."

"The fact is we are not obliged to set up for great philosophers or great moralists."

"I have the greatest respect for his understanding and abilities."

"A man must have the courage of his convictions."

"I have always believed that success is not the result of mere chance or luck, but of hard work and determination."

"The prosperity of a nation depends not on the amount of gold and silver it possesses, but in the character of its people."

"I am convinced that nothing but a degree of feeling, determination, and courage will carry a man through the world."

"Do not rest on your laurels."

"One cannot in the least foresee the consequences of a measure."

"Dress is a very foolish thing, yet it is a very important foolish thing."

"The duty of an officer is to obey the orders of those placed over him."

"I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite."

"The fact is, I have always been more fortunate than I deserved."

"Great men are not born great, they grow great."

"I don't think it is possible to be a gentleman unless you have suffered."

"The human heart is the best map of the world."

"It is not the number of troops, but the spirit of the commander that wins battles."