“I am a poet in deeds—not often in words.”
Ian Fleming
The quote is by Auric Goldfinger, not James Bond, in the novel.
Goldfinger (Primary source)
Goldfinger is the seventh novel in Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, featuring one of the most infamous villains in spy fiction.
“By chance, Mr Bond. I am a poet in deeds—not often in words. I am concerned to arrange my actions in appropriate and effective patterns.”
Ian Fleming
“Surround yourself with human beings, my dear James. They are easier to fight for than principles.”
— Ian Fleming Primary source“When the odds are hopeless, when all seems to be lost, then is the time to be calm, to make a show of authority—at least of indifference.”
— Ian Fleming Primary sourceThis case isn’t ripe yet. Until it is, our policy with Mr Big is “live and let live”.
Bond looked quizzically at Captain Dexter.
“In my job,” he said, “when I come up against a man like this one, I have another motto. It’s ‘live and let die’.”
“It’s never too early to start winning.”
— Ian Fleming Primary source“Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“He who has put forth his total strength in fit actions has the richest return of wisdom.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it’s enemy action.”
— Ian Fleming Primary source“Do not do that which you would not have known.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source