In the tumult of great events, solitude was what I hoped for. Now it is what I love. How is it possible to be contented with anything else when one has come face to face with history?

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

I am not bad, thank you. But don't worry, one of these days I shall certainly die.

Since a politician never believes what he says, he is quite surprised to be taken at his word.

It is not tolerable, it is not possible, that from so much death, so much sacrifice and ruin, so much heroism, a greater and better humanity shall not emerge.

China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.

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