In a conquered country benevolence is not humanitarianism. It is a general political axiom that a conqueror must not inspire a good opinion of his benevolence until he has demonstrated that he can be severe with malefactors.

Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.

Fashion condemns us to many follies, the greatest is to make oneself its slave.

Adversity is the midwife of genius

All the great captains have performed vast achievements by conforming with the rules of art--by adjusting efforts to obstacles.

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

It is only with prudence, sagacity, and much dexterity that great aims are accomplished, and all obstacles surmounted. Otherwise nothing is accomplished.