Never relinquish the initiative.

In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.

He who laughs last didn't get the joke.

Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back upon himself.

Deliberation is a function of the many; action is the function of one.

In the tumult of men and events, solitude was my temptation; now it is my friend. What other satisfaction can be sought once you have confronted History?

When I want to know what France thinks, I ask myself.