One must indeed be ignorant of the methods of genius to suppose that it allows itself to be cramped by forms. Forms are for mediocrity, and it is fortunate that mediocrity can act only according to routine. Ability takes its flight unhindered.

Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him.

The great difficulty with politics is, that there are no established principles.

The only conquests that are permanent and leave no regrets are our conquests over ourselves.

A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.

Oh Man, Man. How despicable in slavery, how great when fired with the love of freedom!

The first quality of a soldier is constancy in enduring fatigue and hardship. Courage is only the second. Poverty privation and want are the school of the good soldier.