"A statesman cannot create anything, he must wait and listen until he hears the steps of God sounding through events, and then spring and seize the hem of His garment."

"The only sound basis of a large state is self-interest, not sentimentality."

"The strong are strongest when they are alone."

"He who has once been bitten by the passion for power, will never be free from it."

"A conquering army on the border is an admirable school of instruction for the people."