Von Rundstedt was a francophile, 'extravagantly polite to women' and smoked too much. To those he disdained (and there were many) he was haughty, reserved and curt.

Von Rundstedt was a soldier through and through, always keeping himself clear of politics.

Moreover, Gerd von Rundstedt was a gentleman to the core. His natural dignity and good manners inspired the respect even of those who differed widely from him …

This war with Russia is an absurd idea that will have a disastrous outcome for sure. But if for political reasons the conflict is unavoidable, then we must be …

Politeness , n. The most acceptable hypocrisy.

He had the kind of handshake that ought never to be used except as a tourniquet.

It turns you into two people: one of you's very nice, you'll go up to complete strangers and say, 'Come in, come in, sit down, for God's sake, have something. …