Mankind are in the end always governed by superiority of intellectual faculties, and none are more sensible of this than the military profession. When, on my return from Italy, I assumed the dress of the Institute, and associated with men of science, I knew what I was doing: I was sure of not being misunderstood by the lowest drummer boy in the army.

Brave deeds are the monuments of brave men.

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.

Soldiers win battles and generals get the medals.

In my youth I, too, entertained some illusions; but I soon recovered from them.

Policemen and prisons ought never to be the means used to bring men back to the practice of religion.

Necessity dominates inclination, will, and right.