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.

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

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.

I love power. But it is as an artist that I love it. I love it as a musician loves his violin, to draw out its sounds and chords and harmonies.

You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war.

Imagination rules the world.

War,--the trade of barbarians!