For if many ill-conceived plans have succeeded through the still greater lack of judgment of an opponent, many more, apparently well laid, have on the contrary ended in disgrace. The confidence with which we form our schemes is never completely justified in their execution; speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.

The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men.

I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time

Men do not rest content with parrying the attacks of a superior, but often strike the first blow to prevent the attack being made.

I dread our own mistakes more than the enemy's intentions.

There is no need to suppose that human beings differ very much one from another; but it is true that the ones who come out on top are the ones who have been trained in the hardest school.

He passes through life most securely who has least reason to reproach himself with complaisance toward his enemies.