It is useless to attack men who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.

Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others as long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous.

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 secret of happiness is freedom and the secret of freedom is courage.

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

Wars spring from unseen and generally insignificant causes, the first outbreak being often but an explosion of anger.

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