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

All the great captains have performed vast achievements by conforming with the rules of art--by adjusting efforts to obstacles.

A Government protected by foreigners will never be accepted by a free people.

If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots.

Few really believe. The most only believe that they believe or even make believe.

Adversity is the midwife of genius

In war one must lean on an obstacle in order to overcome it.