David Gemmell Quotes

Let me be very clear: my friendship with my friends ends where the interest of the country begins.

It is the solemn obligation of a leader always to be a leader. Even when - perhaps especially when - you don't feel like being a leader.

No more duty can be urged upon those who are entering the great theater of life than simple loyalty to their best convictions.

We have been given the trust and goodwill of New Zealanders. I do not take that trust for granted, and I never will.

To God, thy country, and thy friend be true.

To be a man is, precisely, to be responsible.

I have done what I felt to be my duty.

Responsibility and accountability is a big part of being in the military.

I would rather risk my Crown than do what I think personally disgraceful ... it is impossible that the nation shall not stand by me; if they will not, they shall have another King.

I own frankly now that I am to engage, that what I may do may be reckoned and will be reckoned desperate. All appearances seem to be against me. Interest, prudence, and the obligations to you which I lie under, will prevent most people in my situation from taking a resolution that may probably end in my utter ruin. My life, my fortune, my expectations, the happiness of my wife and children are all at stake …, and yet a principle (what seems to me) honour, and my duty to King and Country, outweighs everything.

How can I do this and leave the clergy, the churches of God, the empire, and all of the people? What will the world think of me? … No my lords, no! I will die here with you.

There may be some people in the country who forget to perform their duty. You should set an example by doing your job with honesty and faithfulness.

The people respect and believe in men who fulfill their duty.

When duty calls, that is when character counts.

When you commit to something, you don't want to let your fellow people and yourself down.

My reputation is too important to put it aside for purposes of some friendship. We have a job to do.

But I think I'm a nice friend and a good person, and I try to do my work as best I can.

When you sign your name on the dotted line, it's more than just playing baseball. You have a responsibility to make good decisions and show people how things are supposed to be done.

For me, 'Lamb' started out as a further exploration of the phenomenon of faith and the responsibility of a messiah that I touched on in 'Coyote Blue' and 'Island of the Sequined Love Nun,' but it ended up being an exploration of the true meaning of sacrifice, loyalty, and friendship.

England expects that every man will do his duty.

I shall never ask any pilot to go on a mission that I won't go on.

I take my responsibilities very seriously.

A man can do what he ought to do; and when he says he cannot, it is because he will not.

Responsibility is the thing people dread most of all. Yet it is the one thing in the world that develops us, gives us manhood or womanhood fiber.

This desk of mine is one at which a man may die, but from which he cannot resign.