Ian Fleming Quotes

Sometimes in international politics, the better part of wisdom is to defer dangers rather than try to eliminate them altogether instantly.

I myself had to grow a longer beard and Afghan clothes. I was in danger of being kidnapped by smugglers, though I didn't know it at the time.

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor.

Living is dangerous. The important thing is to know the limits.

The war correspondent has his stake - his life - in his own hands, and he can put it on this horse or that horse, or he can put it back in his pocket at the very last minute.

Just as courage is the danger of life, so is fear its safeguard.

If I had any deadly secrets, I wouldn't still be alive.

If I wasn't an actor, I'd be a secret agent.

If you’re going to be involved with espionage, you’ve got to be motivated. It’s not fun and games. It’s dirty and dangerous. There’s always the chance that you’re going to get burned.

I would be a terrible CIA officer in real life.

Those who tread among serpents, and along a tortuous path, must use the cunning of the serpent.

With everything I do, there always seems to be a massive risk involved.

Never make a fuss-it might attract the attention of an enemy tribe.

I'm a spy. It's not really... I worked for the CIA 15 years. The cover was I worked for the insurance business.

You think this is a trap then?" the Count asked. "I always think everything is a trap until proven otherwise," the Prince answered. "Which is why I'm still alive.

He who fears dangers will not perish by them.

Let's play it safe. I’m not in the mood to run right now and I know fighting is suicide. Last thing I want to do is make my enemies happy by dying. (Syn)

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.

But I am in the gambling business, for good or ill; it is the business I have chosen, and the only governing rule that we all recognize is: always sit close to an exit and never trust a man who doesn't sweat.

Never throw caution to the wind. It could whip back into your eyes and blind you.

A burnt child dreads the fire.

Mama used to tell us a story about a cicada sitting high in a tree. It chirps and drinks in dew, oblivious to the praying mantis behind it. The mantis arches up its front leg to stab the cicada, but it doesn't know an oriole perches behind it. The bird stretches out its neck to snap up the mantis for a midday meal, but its unaware of the boy who's come into the garden with a net. Three creatures—the cicada, the mantis and the oriole—all coveted gains without being aware of the greater and inescapable danger that was coming.

If you handle truth carelessly, it will cut your fingers.

Take heede of an oxe before, of an horse behind, of a monke on all sides.

Remember someone is going to be out, so don’t make it you.