Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Quotes
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Love is a reality which is born in the fairy region of romance.
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I know where there is more wisdom than is found in Napoleon, Voltaire, or all the ministers present and to come - in public opinion.
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In a novel, the author gives the leading character intelligence and distinction. Fate goes to less trouble: mediocrities play a part in great events simply from happening to be there.
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The bold defiance of a woman is the certain sign of her shame, - when she has once ceased to blush, it is because she has too much to blush for.
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The art of statesmanship is to foresee the inevitable and to expedite its occurrence.
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Those who did not live during the years close to 1789 do not know the pleasure of living.
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There are many people who have the gift, or failing, of never understanding themselves. I have been unlucky enough, or perhaps fortunate enough to have received the opposite gift.
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An important art of politicians is to find new names for institutions which under old names have become odious to the public.
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There is one person that is wiser than anybody, and that is everybody.
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Since the masses are always eager to believe something, for their benefit nothing is so easy to arrange as facts.
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What clever man has ever needed to commit a crime? Crime is the last resort of political half-wits.
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Women sometimes forgive a man who forces the opportunity, but never a man who misses ones.
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Without freedom of the press, there can be no representative government.
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Suave molecules of Mocha stir up your blood, without causing excess heat; the organ of thought receives from it a feeling of sympathy; work becomes easier and you will sit down without distress to your principal repast which will restore your body and afford you a calm, delicious night.
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Nothing succeeds so well as success.
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Speech was given to man to disguise his thoughts. [Fr., La parole a ete donnce a l'homme pour deguiser sa pensee.]
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What I have been taught, I have forgotten; what I know, I have guessed.
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Politics is the systematic cultivation of hatred.
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Love of glory can only create a great hero; contempt of glory creates a great man.
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Methods are the masters of masters.
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Merit, however inconsiderable, should be sought for and rewarded. Methods are the master of masters.
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Wherever there's trouble, look for a priest.
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War is much too serious a thing to be left to military men.
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If we go on explaining we shall cease to understand one another.
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It is not an event; it is a piece of news.
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A court is an assembly of noble and distinguished beggars.
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It is the beginning of the end. [Fr., C'est le commencement de al fin.]
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Speech has been given to man to disguise his thoughts.
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The reputation of a man is like his shadow, gigantic when it precedes him, and pigmy in its proportions when it follows.
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Regimes may fall and fail, but I do not.
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Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
- Born: February 2, 1754
- Died: May 17, 1838
- Occupation: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs