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

There can be no prestige without mystery, for familiarity breeds contempt.

One must wait until the evening to see how splendid the day was; one cannot judge life until death.

Once upon a time there was an old country, wrapped up in habit and caution. We have to transform our old France into a new country and marry it to its time.

The true statesman is the one who is willing to take risks.

No, I'm not talking about the Russians; I mean the Germans. In spite of everything, to have pushed so far!

Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rains they drown in every drop.