Quotes

Character

I never apologize to anyone Lisa. I'm sorry, that's just the way I am.
             ~Homer Simpson

If less is more, just think how much more would be!
             ~"Frasier" (Kelsey Grammar)

Dueling

I thoroughly disapprove of duels. I consider them unwise and I know they are dangerous. Also, sinful. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet retired spot and kill him.
             ~Autobiography of Mark Twain

Duel, n. A formal ceremony preliminary to the reconciliation of two enemies. Great skill is necessary to its satisfactory observance; if awkwardly performed the most unepexted and deplorable consequences sometimes ensue. A long time ago a man lost his life in a duel.
             ~The Devil's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce

It is too bad that men die in duels, dueling otherwise keeps up politeness in society.
             ~Napoleon Bonaparte

Strategy

It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.
             ~Sally Kempton

The best armor is to keep out of range.
             ~Italian Proverb

Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake.
             ~Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower

If your mind goes blank, don't forget to turn off the sound.
             ~Red Green (Canadian humorist)

Rules of Thumb

Never give a child a sword.
             ~Latin Proverb

Sometimes dogs fight for the bone. Sometimes dogs fight for the fight.
             ~Walter Robin

Decide promptly, but never give any reasons. Your decisions may be right, but your reasons are sure to be wrong.
             ~Lord Mansfield

On Training

Every mistake should be repeated at least once. In that way the original mistake can be confirmed.
             ~Chessmaster Yasser Seirawan

With practice comes knowledge.  With learning comes perspective. With sharing comes joy.  That's why I fence.
             ~Laurin of Rosewood (L.G. Onestead)

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.
             ~Vernon Law

To succeed you must love the process.
             ~Dr. Davis, piano teacher, paraphrased

Perfect practice makes perfect performance.
             ~Walter Robin

When you teach your son, you teach your son's son.
             ~~The Talmud

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