Nothing renders a nation so despicable as religious despotism.

France has more need of me than I have need of France.

With audacity one can undertake anything, but not do everything.

Give me a man with a good allowance of nose,... when I want any good head-work done I choose a man - provided his education has been suitable - with a long nose.

Called to the throne by the voice of the people, my maxim has always been: A career open to talent without distinction of birth. It is this system of equality for which the European oligarchy detests me

The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemies.

If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.