In war one must lean on an obstacle in order to overcome it.

He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat.

If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.

History paints the human heart.

Nothing is so contrary to military rules as to make the strength of your army known, either in the orders of the day, in proclamations, or in the newspapers.

To write history one must be more than a man, since the author who holds the pen of this great justiciary must be free from all preoccupation of interest or vanity.

Wisdom and policy dictate that we must do as destiny demands and keep peace with the irresistible march of events.