To govern is always to choose among disadvantages.

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

Deliberation is the work of many men. Action, of one alone.

One can unite the French only under the threat of danger. One cannot simply bring together a nation that produces 265 kinds of cheese.

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.

Greatness is a road leading towards the unknown.