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.

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

Great men are meteors designed to burn so that earth may be lighted.

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.

I find any great man, black or white, I'm going to study him, learn him so he can't be great to me no more.