It is pardonable to be defeated, but never to be surprised.

I have no fault to find with those who teach geometry. That science is the only one which has not produced sects; it is founded on analysis and on synthesis and on the calculus; it does not occupy itself with the probable truth; moreover it has the same method in every country.

To your care and recommendation am I indebted for having replaced a half-blind mathematician with a mathematician with both eyes, which will especially please the anatomical members of my Academy.

Diplomacy without arms is like a concert without a score

If soldiers were to begin to think, not one of them would remain in the army.

Everybody is using coffee. If possible, this must be prevented. My people must drink beer.

A king is the first servant and first magistrate of the state.