All authority is in the throne; and what is the throne? This wooden frame covered with velvet? No, I am the throne.

Orders and decorations are necessary in order to dazzle the people.

In this life we are either kings or pawns, emperors or fools.

If I am often seen at the theatre, people will cease to notice me.

I saw the way to achieve all my dreams. . . . I would found a religion, I saw myself marching on the way to Asia, mounted on an elephant, a turban on my head, and in my hand a new Koran that I would have composed to suit my needs. In my enterprises I would have combined the experiences of the two worlds, exploiting the realm of all history for my own profit.

Now I think, speaking roughly, by leadership we mean the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it, not because your position of power can compel him to do it, or your position of authority.