On addressing his men before one of the Napoleonic wars battles; 'I don't know what effect they will have on the enemy, but by God, they frighten me!' [a non complimentary reflection on the troops, spoken by the Duke of Wellington.]
I like quotes that show absolutely nothing has changed in reality:
Laws are like spider's webs: if some poor weak creature come up against them, it is caught; but a bigger one can break through and get away. Solon of Athens (640 – 561 BC)
It seems another thread for Quotes is needed, as they are getting mixed up in Sayings [ and we can't have that!!] So, one of my favourites [although I can't name the source, could be Winnie, or even Wellington!] On a woman telling him 'You are drunk sir!' 'Yes I am, but when I wake in the morning I will be sober, whereas you madam , will still be ugly!'