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

I have heard your views. They do not harmonize with mine. The decision is taken unanimously.

Politics, when it is an art and a service, not an exploitation, is about acting for an ideal through realities.

War stirs in men's hearts the mud of their worst instincts. It puts a premium on violence, nourishes hatred, and gives free rein to cupidity. It crushes the weak, exalts the unworthy, and bolsters tyranny .. .Time and time again it has destroyed all ordered living, devastated hope, and put the prophets to death.

As an adolescent I was convinced that France would have to go through gigantic trials, that the interest of life consisted in one day rendering her some signal service and that I would have the occasion to do so.

I might have had trouble saving France in 1946 - I didn't have television then.

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