If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.

The first quality of the commander-in-chief is a cool head to receive a correct impression of things. He should not allow himself to be confused by either good or bad news.

In politics nothing is immutable. Events carry within them an invincible power. The unwise destroy themselves in resistance. The skillful accept events, take strong hold of them and direct them.

The reason most people fail instead of succeed is they trade what they want most for what they want at the moment.

When I had the honor to be a second lieutenant, I ate dry bread, but I never let anyone know that I was poor.

Machiavelli is right: one always must live with one's friends with the idea that they may turn into one's enemies. He should have said, with everyone.

The greatest ornament of an illustrious life is modesty and humility, which go a great way in the character even of the most exalted princes.