The perfection preached in the Gospels never yet built an empire. Every man of action has a strong dose of egotism, pride, hardness, and cunning.

No country without an atom bomb could properly consider itself independent.

Men are of no importance. What counts is who commands.

How can you be expected to govern a country that has two hundred and forty-six kinds of cheese?

I have heard your views. They do not harmonize with mine. The decision is taken unanimously.

Silence is the ultimate weapon of power.

When I want to know what France thinks, I ask myself.

Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rains they drown in every drop.

Once upon a time there was an old country, wrapped up in habit and caution. ...

You start out giving your hat, then you give your coat, then your shirt, then your skin and finally your soul.