Among so many conflicting ideas and so many different perspectives, the honest man is confused and distressed and the skeptic becomes wicked ... Since one must take sides, one might as well choose the side that is victorious, the side which devastates, loots, and burns. Considering the alternative, it is better to eat than to be eaten.

Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

The art of being sometimes audacious and sometimes very prudent is the secret of success.

An aristocracy is the true support of a monarchy.

Conquest has made me what I am, only conquest can maintain me.

The French complain of everything, and always.

It is not necessary to bury the truth. It is sufficient merely to delay it until nobody cares.