It isn't important to come out on top, what matters is to be the one who comes out alive.

Earnest people are often people who habitually look on the serious side of things that have no serious side

Even to observe neutrality you must have a strong government

In oneof our concert grand pianos, 243 taut strings exert a pull of 40,000 poundson an iron frame. It is proof that out of great tension may come greatharmony.

Every man has enough power left to carry out that of whichhe is convinced.

The exercise of power is determined by thousands ofinteractions between the world of the powerful and that of the powerless, allthe more so because these worlds are never divided by a sharp line: everyonehas a small part of himself in both.

A good listener is not someone with nothing to say. A good listener is a good talkerwith a sore throat.

Few men of action have been able to make a graceful exit at the appropriate time.

Too late is the medicine prepared, when the disease has strengthened by long delay.

Suspicion begets suspicion.

Luck iswhat happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take therest as it happens.