John Fisher, 1st Baron Fisher

Favouritism is the secret of efficiency

Sea fighting is pure common sense. The first of all its necessities is SPEED, so as to be able to fight--When you like, Where you like, and How you like.

The luxuries of the present are the necessities of the future. Our grandfathers never had a bath-room....

Big risks bring big success!

Favouritism was the secret of our efficiency in the old days and got us young Admirals.....Going by seniority saves so much trouble. Buggins's turn has been our ruin and will be disastrous hereafter!

If you rub it in both at home and abroad that you are ready for instant war.....and intend to be first in and hit your enemy in the belly and kick him when he is down and boil your prisoners in oil (if you take any), and torture his women …

The humanising of war? You might as well talk about the humanizing of Hell!...... The essence of war is violence! Moderation in war is imbecility!.....