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.

History is a myth that men agree to believe.

The populace judges of the power of God by the power of the priests.

If the art of war were nothing but the art of avoiding risks, glory would become the prey of mediocre minds.... I have made all the calculations; fate will do the rest.

Those who have changed the universe have never done it by changing officials, but always by inspiring the people.

The secret of great battles consists in knowing how to deploy and concentrate at the right time.

I am the successor, not of Louis XVI, but of Charlemagne.