When small men attempt great enterprises, they always end by reducing them to the level of their mediocrity.

Read over and over again the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, Gustavus, Turenne, Eugene and Frederic. Make them your models. This is the only way to become a great general and to master the secrets of the art of war. With your own genius enlightened by this study, you will reject all maxims opposed to those of these great commanders.

In tragedy great men are more truly great than in history. We see them only in the crises which unfold them.

Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.

In our time no one has the conception of what is great. It is up to me to show them.

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.