I would rather find a single causal law than be the king of Persia!

I would rather fail in a cause that would ultimately succeed, than succeed in a cause that would ultimately fail.

I would rather lose in a cause that will some day win, than win in a cause that will some day lose!

I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.

I would rather be a good man than a great king.

I'd rather end up wishing I hadn’t than end up wishing I had.

I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.

I hate the idea of causes, and if I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.

I would prefer even to fail with honor than to win by cheating.

Sir, I would rather be right than to be President.

I would prefer not to.

I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty.

I would rather make my name then inherit it.

There is only one thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive in a good cause.