A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
The longer the life the more the offense, the more the offense the more the pain, the more the pain the less defense and the less defense the less the gain.
—Thomas Wyatt (1503–42) English Poet, Diplomat
A just fear of an imminent danger, though there be no blow given, is a lawful cause of war.
—Francis Bacon (1561–1626) English Philosopher
The aims of life are the best defense against death.
—Primo Levi (1919–87) Italian Novelist, Poet, Chemist
Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defense, and as courageous as either one.
—Gloria Steinem (b.1934) American Feminist, Journalist, Activist, Political Advocate
Irreverence is the champion of liberty and its only sure defense.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
There’s no telling what might have happened to our defense budget if Saddam Hussein hadn’t invaded Kuwait that August and set everyone gearing up for World War II. Can we count on Saddam Hussein to come along every year and resolve our defense-policy debates? Given the history of the Middle East, it’s possible.
—P. J. O’Rourke (1947–2022) American Journalist, Political Satirist
Wisdom makes but a slow defense against trouble, though at last a sure one.
—Oliver Goldsmith (1730–74) Irish Novelist, Playwright, Poet
For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well organized and armed militia is their best security.
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American Head of State, Lawyer
Right is its own defense.
—Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) German Poet, Playwright, Theater Personality
Self-defense is Nature’s oldest law.
—John Dryden (1631–1700) English Poet, Literary Critic, Playwright
For there is no defense for a man who, in the excess of his wealth, has kicked the great altar of Justice out of sight.
—Aeschylus (525–456 BCE) Greek Playwright
Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion… in private self-defense.
—John Adams (1735–1826) 2nd US President, Founding Father, Statesman
The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.
—James Madison (1751–1836) American Founding Father, Statesman, President
The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.
—William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925–2008) American Conservative Writer, Commentator
We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal.
—Tennessee Williams (1911–83) American Playwright
Ceremony is necessary as the outwork and defense of manners.
—Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773) English Statesman, Man of Letters
There is no defense against criticism except obscurity.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
Often times I have hated in self-defense; if I were stronger I would not have used such a weapon.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-American Philosopher, Poet, Sculptor
When men talk about defense, they always claim to be protecting women and children, but they never ask the women and children what they think.
—Pat Schroeder (1940–2023) American Politician
For where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defense.
—Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) Italian Poet, Philosopher
Education is the cheap defense of nations.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
In our time political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible.
—George Orwell (1903–50) English Novelist, Journalist
All might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they should.
—Samuel Adams (1722–1803) American Founding Father
I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.
—Barry Goldwater (1909–98) American Politician, Businessperson, Representative
Our capacity to retaliate must be, and is, massive in order to deter all forms of aggression.
—John Foster Dulles (1888–1959) American Republican Public Official, Lawyer
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809) American Nationalist, Author, Pamphleteer, Inventor
Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
Defense is superior to opulence.
—George Goodman (b.1930) American Economist, Author
Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.
—Malcolm X (1925–65) American Civil Rights Leader
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