Faced as we are with this destiny, there is only one world.outlook that is worthy
of us, that which has already been mentioned as the Choice of Achilles — better a
short life, full of deeds and glory, than a long life without content. Already the danger
is so great, for every individual, every class, every people, that to cherish any illusion
whatever is deplorable. Time does not suffer itself to be halted; there is no question of
prudent retreat or wise renunciation. Only dreamers believe that there is a way out.
Optimism is cowardice.
We are born into this time and must bravely follow the path to the destined
end. There is no other way. Our duty is to hold on to the lost position, without hope,
without rescue, like that Roman soldier whose bones were found in front of a door in
Pompeii, who, during the eruption of Vesuvius, died at his post because they forgot to
relieve him. That is greatness. That is what it means to be a thoroughbred. The
honourable end is the one thing that can not be taken from a man.