Tis a principle of war that when you can use the lightning, 'tis better than cannon.

Democracy may become frenzied, but it has feelings and can be moved. As for aristocracy, it is always cold and never forgives.

The fool has one great advantage over a man of sense; he is always satisfied with himself.

Mankind are in the end always governed by superiority of intellectual faculties, and none are more sensible of this than the military profession. When, on my return from Italy, I assumed the dress of the Institute, and associated with men of science, I knew what I was doing: I was sure of not being misunderstood by the lowest drummer boy in the army.

The only one who is wiser than anyone is everyone.

Rascality has limits; stupidity has not.

Obedience to public authority ought not to be based either on ignorance or stupidity.