I cannot prevent the French from being French

Leaders of men are later remembered less for the usefulness of what they have achieved than for the sweep of their endeavors.

I wouldn't mind dying for France, but not for Air France.

Whereas ordinary officers must be content with behaving correctly in front of their men, the great leaders have always carefully stage-managed their effects.

Nothing builds authority up like silence, splendor of the strong and shelter of the weak.

There can be no other criterion, no other standard than gold. Yes, gold which never changes, which can be shaped into ingots, bars, coins, which has no nationality and which is eternally and universally accepted as the unalterable fiduciary value par excellence.

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