Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals.

We lived always in the stretch or sag of nerves, either on the crest or in the trough of waves of feeling.

I wrote my will across the sky, in stars

An opinion can be argued with; a conviction is best shot. The logical end of a war of creeds is the final destruction of one, and Salammbo is the classical text-book instance.

Some of the evil of my tale may have been inherent in our circumstances. For years we lived anyhow with one another in the naked desert, under the indifferent heaven.

The beginning and ending of the secret of handling Arabs is unremitting study of them.

Dream your dreams with open eyes and make them come true.