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.

Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.