Even if a king defeats his enemy in battle, that still doesn't settle anything. There are other, less numerous armies of philosophers and scientists, and their contests determine the true triumph or defeat of nations. One scholar is matched with another; one creative mind with another; and one judicious temperament with his counterpart. A victory won on that field counts for three won by force of arms.

People were soon talking only of my bons mots, and they esteemed my wit so highly that the clergy was forced to publish a decree that forbade anyone to believe…

I could scarcely keep from laughing at this scrupulous manner of waging war. I cited the European example as a much more forceful policy. A monarch is careful …

I learned to understand their language and to speak it a little. Immediately the news spread throughout the kingdom that two little wild men had been discovere…

We are at war, and our security as a nation depends on winning that war.

I love the war because there is victory at its end.

One cannot think that blind bravery gives victory over the enemy.