There is only one step from the sublime to the ridiculous.

From the heights of these pyramids, forty centuries look down on us.

In tragedy great men are more truly great than in history. We see them only in the crises which unfold them.

The English have no exaulted sentiments. They can all be bought.

Tragedy warms the soul, elevates the heart, can and ought to create heroes. In this sense, perhaps, France owes a part of her great actions to Corneille.

In our time no one has the conception of what is great. It is up to me to show them.

There is only one favorable moment in war; talent consists in knowing how to seize it.