He was a lawyer before he worked his way up to pimping. - Glen Cook

Sadly, after years of study, I realize that most history may pivot on personal considerations like that, not on the pursuit of ideals dark or shining.

I did not expect them to try anything but I am alive at my age because I make a habit of being ready for trouble when it seems most unlikely.

She did not seem offended, so I added my secret philosophy of life: any dork who became a soldier for an idea instead of the money deserved to die for his country. You’re going to put it all on the table, six up with some other guy, it damned well better be for stakes you can carry away.