This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
The bravest and best men of all times have perished in the struggles against tyranny and despotism, and free government has never secured even a feeble existence save at a most fearful cost. The experiment of republican government in our own country is similar to that of all others. Here, however, liberty has won her grandest triumphs. Here freedom is enthroned securely and is the unchallenged boon of every inhabitant. But we contemplate the cost of victory with mournful and pitying hearts.
Cost | Existence | Experiment | Freedom | Government | Liberty | Men | Tyranny | Wisdom | Government |
John F. Kennedy, fully John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy
Domestic policy can only defeat us; foreign policy can kill us.
Defeat | Foreign policy | Kill | Policy | Wisdom |
It is a shallow victory which leaves a prostrate people.
Michel de Montaigne, fully Lord Michel Eyquem de Montaigne
A victory is no victory unless it put an end to the war.
Paramananda, fully Swami Paramananda, born Suresh Chandra Guha-Thakurta NULL
A man's happiness requires a great deal more than any material thing. We all find it out sooner or later. If we live our lives thoughtlessly, we defeat our purpose; because our faith in God becomes shattered and there is no greater loss.
Defeat | Faith | God | Man | Purpose | Purpose | Wisdom | God | Happiness |
Let us do our duty in our shop or our kitchen, the market, the street, the office, the school, the home, just as faithfully as if we stood in the front rank of some great battle and we knew that victory for mankind depended upon our bravery, strength, and skill. When we do that the humblest of us will be serving in that great army which achieves the welfare of the world.
Battle | Bravery | Duty | Mankind | Office | Rank | Skill | Strength | Will | Wisdom | World |
Ramdas, fully Swami Ramdas, born Vittal Rao, aka Beloved Papa NULL
There is no greater victory in the life of a human being than victory over the mind. He who has controlled the gusts of passion that arise within him and the violent actions that proceed therefrom is the real hero.
Al-Shafi’I, fully Abū ʿAbdullāh Muhammad ibn Idrīs al-Shafiʿī NULL
Never do I argue with a; man with a desire to hear him say what is wrong, or to expose him and win a victory over him… Whenever I face an opponent in debate I silently pray, “O Lord, Help him so that truth may flow from his heart and on his tongue, and so that if truth is on my side, he may follow me; and if it be on his side, I may follow him.”
Book of Li, aka Book of Rites or Record of Rites or Classic Rites NULL
When you find wealth within your reach, do not try to get it by improper means; when you meet with calamity, do not (try to) escape from it by improper means. Do not seek for victory in small contentions; do not seek for more than your proper share. Do not positively affirm what you have doubts about; and (when you have no doubts) do not let what you say appear (simply) as your own view.
Christian Century Editorial NULL
The ancient theory of the just war breaks down when victory is impossible, when the weapons are so undiscriminating as to destroy both sides.
Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. The calm one is he who has given up both victory and defeat.
Defeat |