There is no such thing as an accident, only a failure to recognise the hand of fate

Posterity alone rightly judges kings. Posterity alone has the right to accord or withhold honors.

Neglect of duty does not cease, by repetition, to be neglect of duty.

There shall be no Alps.

Among so many conflicting ideas and so many different perspectives, the honest man is confused and distressed and the skeptic becomes wicked ... Since one must take sides, one might as well choose the side that is victorious, the side which devastates, loots, and burns. Considering the alternative, it is better to eat than to be eaten.

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.

Man loves the marvelous. It has an irresistible charm for him. He is always ready to leave that with which he is familiar to pursue vain inventions. He lends himself to his own deception.