Jean Stafford Quotes

Vadim was both my teacher and my husband. I placed myself entirely in his hands.

Back in those days intimidation was the greatest tool the drill instructor had. Without that tool, he would not have had control.

Those who know the least obey the best.

The power of the master must be absolute to render the submission of the slave perfect.

In most cases, when the lion, weary of obeying its master, has torn and devoured him, its nerves are pacified and it looks round for another master before whom to grovel.

If you go to see the woman, do not forget the whip.

There is one thing in the world more wicked than the desire to command, and that is the will to obey.

Never mind what I told you - you do as I tell you.

It is a bitter dose to be taught obedience after you have learned to rule.

I would rather you love me, but if not love, fear will do.

My relationship to power and authority is that I'm all for it.

I am not blaming those who are resolved to rule, only those who show an even greater readiness to submit.

I just told you to be quiet. That's one step away from asking you to wash my laundry and make me a sandwich.

I never let them cough. They wouldn't dare.

Learn to obey before you command.

Power never turns power down, ever, unless institutionally demanded.

I think I'm a natural-born leader. I know how to bow down to authority if it's authority that I respect.

I am a collaborator with everyone who agrees that I need to be in control. I happily collaborate with my loyalists.

I love someone who tries to boss me around.

There has to be absolute trust between the tiger and its master, but its master must be the master - there must be no mistake about that.

I'll talk. You'll listen.

You carry forever the fingerprint that comes from being under someone's thumb.

Don't talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.

I don't mind how much my Ministers talk, so long as they do what I say.

I'm fairly obedient. I do what I'm told.