A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.

A bird is like an instrument working according to mathematical law, and it is in the capacity of man to reproduce such an instrument.

Forethought we may have, undoubtedly, but not foresight.

I do not believe in a major war this year because the French army at present is as large as that of Germany and far more mature. But next year and the year after may carry these Dictator-ridden countries to the climax of their armament and of their domestic embarrassments. We shall certainly need to be ready then.

Dangers which are warded off and difficulties which are overcome before they reach a crisis are utterly unrecognised.

It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than you can see.