The perfection preached in the gospels never yet built an empire. Every man of action has a strong dose of egotism, pride, hardness, and cunning.
Victory often goes to the army that makes the least mistakes, not the most brilliant plans.
France has no friends, only interests.
Belgium is a country invented by the British to annoy the French.
There can be no prestige without mystery, for familiarity breeds contempt.
I respect only those who resist me, but I cannot tolerate them.