In England it's a rare thing to see a player smoking but all in all I prefer that to an alcoholic. The relationship with alcohol is a real problem in English football and in the short term it's much more harmful to a sportsman. It weakens the body which becomes more susceptible to injury.

From secrecy and deception in high places come home America. From military spending so wasteful that it weakens our nation come home America.

History shows that when the church accommodates culture it weakens it.

I think what weakens people most is fear of wasting their strength.

An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.

Largely this is a class thing - writers tend to be cosseted little middle-class kiddies who think that the world owes them a royalty cheque. But just doing it - being in your room for years on end locked in your head alone with invented ghosts - it weakens and softens the body. And I know I can't just live in my head.