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

In a conquered country benevolence is not humanitarianism. It is a general political axiom that a conqueror must not inspire a good opinion of his benevolence until he has demonstrated that he can be severe with malefactors.

A journalist is a grumbler, a censurer, a giver of advice, a regent of sovereigns, a tutor of nations. Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.

Men take only their needs into consideration - never their abilities.

Every French soldier carriers a marshal's baton in his knapsack.

It is rare that a legislature reasons. It is too quickly impassioned.

The most desirable quality in a soldier is constancy in the support of fatigue; valor is only secondary.