WIST

Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I’m afraid. [...]
The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell,
For when I fool the people I fear
I fool myself as well.

Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960) American librettist, theatrical producer, and director
“I Whistle a Happy Tune” (song), The King and I (1951)

The fact that the talk may be boring or turgid or uninspiring should not cause us to forget the fact that it is preferable to war.

Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. (1902-1985) American politician and diplomat
(Attributed)
Regarding the UN.

If you want your memoranda read, put it on one page.

Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) US President (1913-20), educator, political scientist
Remark to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt
In Arthur Schlessinger, The Age of Roosevelt: The Coming of the New Deal, 32.7 (1959)

It is incumbent on those only who accept of great charges, to risk themselves on great occasions, when the safety of the nation, or some of its very high interests are at stake. An officer is bound to obey orders; yet he would be a bad one who should do it in cases for which they were not intended, and which involved the most important consequences. The line of discrimination between cases may be difficult; but the good officer is bound to draw it at his own peril, and throw himself on the justice of his country and the rectitude of his motives.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) US President (1801-09)
Letter to John B. Colvin (20 Sep 1810)
    (Source)

Self-conceit is the enemy of progress.

Bion of Borysthenes (c. 325-c. 250 BC) Greek philosopher, cynic, wit
In Diogenes Laërtius, Bion, 4.50