I count upon taking [the French people] by surprise. A bold deed upsets people’s equanimity, and they are dumbfounded by a great novelty. - Napoleon

The issue of a battle is the result of an instant, of a thought. There is the advance, with its various combinations, the battle is joined, the struggle goes on a certain time, the decisive moment presents itself, a spark of genius discloses it, and the smallest body of reserves accomplish victory.

If I were an Englishman, I should esteem the man who advised a war with China to be the greatest living enemy of my country. You would be beaten in the end, and perhaps a revolution in India would follow.

There is nothing so imperious as feebleness which feels itself supported by force.