Defensive Quotes

I would rather betray others, than have others betray me

Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By ‘patriotism’ I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.

There are a lot of people who will tell you I'm very ruthless. I'm very fierce. If I feel I'm right, if I feel I've been violated, then I am like a warrior from hell!

There's a tendency in many politicians to become inward-looking, more protectionist, more nationalistic and more defensive, in the bad sense of the word.

A weak man in a corner is more dangerous than a strong man.

I'm very protective; it's in my wiring.

This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands,--This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

It is the habit of every aggressor nation to claim that it is acting on the defensive.

The passive aggressive arguer comes armed with tricky tactics. They cannot take the risk that they might be wrong: their self-esteem is too intertwined with their opinions. It is more important to affirm their rightness, and sense of superiority, than to arrive at the truth.

Hats divide generally into three classes: offensive hats, defensive hats, and shrapnel.

Just as courage imperils life, fear protects it.

Basically, I have two speeds.... Hostile or smart-aleck. Your choice.

I . . . hit him . . . elsewhere.” “Where?” “In his . . .In his inguine.” “Oh, dear God.” It was unclear whether Ralston’s words were meant as prayer or blasphemy. What was clear was that the woman was a gladiator. “He called me a pie!” she announced, defensively. There was a pause. “Wait. That’s not right.” “A tart?” “Yes! That’s it!” She registered her brother’s fists and looked to Simon. “I see that it is not a compliment.” “No. It is not.

An unguarded strength is a double weakness.

I'm the type of person, I'll fight whoever.

If I be waspish, best beware my sting.

He was being about as protective as a can-opener.

I'm sure she wants revenge. I'll just try not to let that happen.

I'm not annoying in relationships! I'm great!

With all the stones being thrown against me you could build a monument!

General, you know you have only to give the order and the attack will be made, but I must tell you that I think it a useless waste of brave lives.

If I don't get the service or if I don't the ball in the box, where I want it, I start drifting into midfield. I go and look for the ball. I try to be important for the team in other areas.

When you're cornered, there are two things you can do: move or fight.

I can be a nice person, but if someone is messing with someone I care about, the tougher side comes out a little more.

Practically every enterprise is threatened and put on the defensive as soon as it comes into existence.