If I always appear prepared, it is because before entering an undertaking, I have meditated long and have foreseen what might occur. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly and secretly what I should do in circumstances unexpected by others; it is thought and preparation

The true policy of government is to make use of aristocracy, but under the forms and in the spirit of democracy.

All great events hang by a single thread. The clever man takes advantage of everything, neglects nothing that may give him some added opportunity; the less clever man, by neglecting one thing, sometimes misses everything.

Generals are not to be too scrupulous.

I wish I could take a raincheck on June 18.1815

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

Jesus Chris was more than man.