I don't employ Talleyrand when I want a thing done, but only when I want to have the appearance of wanting to do it.

In the last analysis, one must be a military man in order to govern. It is only with boot and spurs that one can govern a horse.

To imagine that it is possible to perform great military deeds without fighting is just empty dreams.

A form of government that is not the result of a long sequence of shared experiences, efforts, and endeavors can never take root.

The art of being sometimes audacious and sometimes very prudent is the secret of success.

The only victory over love is flight.

Opportunities? I make opportunities.