God gave humans language so they could conceal their thoughts from one another.

Never speak ill of yourself, your friends will always say enough on that subject.

What clever man has ever needed to commit a crime? Crime is the last resort of political half-wits.

Regimes may fall and fail, but I do not.

In a novel, the author gives the leading character intelligence and distinction. Fate goes to less trouble: mediocrities play a part in great events simply from happening to be there.

A court is an assembly of noble and distinguished beggars.

War is much too serious a thing to be left to military men.