Great Quotes from Great Leaders: George Washington

In our continuing series, "Great Quotes from Great Leaders", we look at George Washington (1732-1799), founding father of the United States of America, who's birthday we celebrate today.

"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."

"A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends."

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."

"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

"Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."

"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."

"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one."

"Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains to bring it to light."

"Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble."

From one Founding Father to another, I salute you George. May your dollar continue to rise against the Euro!

Sir Hook the Colonial of Warrick

Victory on Sir Winston Day!

Break out the Romeo y Julieta cigars and join Sir Winston Churchill in celebrating Victory yesterday...KMSA's official Feast of Sir Winston...and the Indianapolis Colts victory over the upstart New York Jets for the AFC Championship.

The Colts personify some of Sir Winston's quotes:

"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

"Courage is going from failure to failure with losing enthusiasm."

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

"It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time."

"Difficulties mastered are opportunities won."

"It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required."

"I never worry about action, only inaction."

"Courage is the finest of human qualities because it guarantees all the others."

"Never, never, never give up."

Indeed, this was their fines hour! Peyton Manning with the patience and courage that is required in battle, slowly and methodically took out the much touted Jets defense to once again prove the critics wrong. He indeed was able to master difficulties and turn them into opportunities to win!

One of his weapons of choice was Pierre Garcon, a Haitian-American, who used the negative energy of the catastrophe in his homeland as inspiration to play his best. Pierre set an AFC Championship record with 11 (hard earned and impressive) catches and scored one of the touchdowns.

Pierre has brought much attention to the needs of the Haitian people and will use the power of the Super Bowl to continue to help his people. (A side note: we learned yesterday at Mass that our Sister Parish of Grand Basin was unharmed and that our adopted school daughter, Elirose and her family have survived!)

So, take to heart the examples that Sir Winston, Peyton Manning and Pierre Garcon personified on Sir Winston Day...and remember that YOU DESERVE VICTORY!

Sir Hook the Victorious of Warrick

Great Quotes from Great Leaders: Benjamin Franklin

I am introducing a new series to the KMSA blog to complement our series "Knight Time". In the Spirit of our simple beginnings, and inspired by a recent book I received from the Murray State University Alumni Association titled "Great Quotes from Great Leaders", I give you the same.

Today's first edition is led by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), American printer, publisher, author, inventor, scientist and diplomat. Basically the total embodiment of what it takes to be a Knight of Moleskine, Spirit and Ale! I give you a brief set of quotes, which if read in light of modern times, still echo their wisdom for us today!

"Lost time is never found again."

"The doors of wisdom are never shut."

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security, will deserve neither and lose both."

"All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immoveable, those that are moveable, and those that move."

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

"Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."

"Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late."

"Well done is better than well said."

"Words may show a man's wit but actions his meaning."

So my fellow Knights and Ladies, reflect on the wisdom of Benjamin while you travel your road today. I bet you can find an application for each and every quote above in your day.

Sir Hook the Quote Oracle of Warrick