I make my battle plans from the spirit of my sleeping soldiers

Whatever misanthropists may say, ingrates and the perverse are exceptions in the human species.

I pay attention only to what people do or say. I never pay attention to what they think.

You would make a ship sail against the winds and currents by lighting a bonfire under her decks? I have no time for such nonsense.

If you (to General Bertrand) do not perceive that Jesus Christ is God, very well; then I did wrong to make you a general.

I do not believe it is in our nature to love impartially. We deceive ourselves when we think we can love two beings, even our own children, equally. There is always a dominant affection.

Man loves the marvelous. It has an irresistible charm for him. He is always ready to leave that with which he is familiar to pursue vain inventions. He lends himself to his own deception.