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In statesmanship there are predicaments from which it is impossible to escape without some wrongdoing.
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There is no power without justice.
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From triumph to downfall there is but one step. I have noted that, in the most momentous occasions, mere nothings have always decided the outcome of the greatest events.
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A general-in-chief should ask himself several times in the day, What if the enemy were to appear now in my front, or on my right, or my left?
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Audacity succeeds as often as it fails; in life it has an even chance.
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The worse the troops the greater the need of artillery.
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I would believe any religion that could prove it had existed since the beginning of the world. But when I see Socrates, Plato, Moses, and Mohammed I do not think there is such a one. All religions owe their origin to man.
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To be believed make the truth unbelievable.
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Champagne! In victory, one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.
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I see only my objective - the obstacles must give way.
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All the women in the world would not make me lose an hour.
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Whatever you ardently and passionately desire, that you obtain.
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In war, men are nothing, one man is everything.
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There are only two forces that unite men - fear and interest. All great revolutions originate in fear, for the play of interests does not lead to accomplishment.
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Incidents should not govern policy; but, policy incidents.
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The great art of governing consists in not letting men grow old in their jobs.
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A society without religion is like a vessel without compass.
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True wisdom for a general is vigorous determination.
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One must indeed be ignorant of the methods of genius to suppose that it allows itself to be cramped by forms. Forms are for mediocrity, and it is fortunate that mediocrity can act only according to routine. Ability takes its flight unhindered.
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Occupation is the scythe of time.
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Ability is of little account without opportunity. I have very rarely met with two o'clock in the morning courage: I mean instantaneous courage.
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You do not get peace by shouting: Peace. Peace is a meaningless word; what we need is a glorious peace.
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When you have an enemy in your power, deprive him of the means of ever injuring you.
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Tragedy warms the soul, elevates the heart, can and ought to create heroes. In this sense, perhaps, France owes a part of her great actions to Corneille.