Who said this? (Trying to identify a quote...)

[deck_]

I am trying to find a quote, and I'm not sure who it's by or what it is exactly. I'll try and remember it as best I can:


"Make every effort not to fight, but if a fight is unavoidable, knock the person out the first chance you get."


Those are definitely not the exact words, mind you. The general idea is still there though. I think someone had it in their signature on these forums.

Anyone know who said it or what the quote actually is?

Thanks!

[kaleigh]

Tzu Sun - “To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.”

Is this it?

[wombat]

I recall reading that somewhere. It was a former U.S. President. I'll let you know if i remember whom. But if and until then, that should point you in the right direction.

[strivetobe]

I am 90% sure it was Theodore Roosevelt, will try to hunt it down to be sure.

-Strivetobe

[bigv123]

Close. Teddy Roosevelt's direct quote is:

Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit softly.

And, a similar quote from a different speech, in a slightly different format:

The unforgivable crime is soft hitting. Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly.

The version you gave is probably a paraphrase from T.R., but, it gets the point across just as well :)

V

[strivetobe]

I will take coming close on this one, haha. I can somewhat recognize things, even if it is a para phrasal

[Shar36]

I think this one comes close to what you're referring to deck. Good call strivetobe!

"Don't hit at all if you can help it; don't hit a man if you can possibly avoid it; but if you do hit him, put him to sleep."
New York City, February 17, 1899

~Shar

Taken from the theodoreroosevelt.org site.

[deck_]

Awesome, that was exactly what I was looking for. Both those are great.

Thanks a lot guys! :D

[1stud]

This has been my sig for a while ;)

[deck_]

Haha I knew I saw it on these forums somewhere!

[1stud]

;) i love it