In war, as in prostitution, amateurs are often better than professionals.

The first quality of the commander-in-chief is a cool head to receive a correct impression of things. He should not allow himself to be confused by either good or bad news.

Soldiers win battles and generals get the medals.

My decision to destroy the authority of the blacks in Saint Domingue (Haiti) is not so much based on considerations of commerce and money, as on the need to block for ever the march of the blacks in the world.

From triumph to downfall is but a step. I have seen a trifle decide the most important issues in the gravest affairs.

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.

What is the future? What is the past? What are we? What is the magic fluid that surrounds us and conceals the things we most need to know? We live and die in the midst of marvels.