Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Quotes - Page 2

In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily.

Women sometimes forgive a man who forces the opportunity, but never a man who misses ones.

The rich man despises those who flatter him too much, and hates those who do not flatter him at all.

Speech was given to man to disguise his thoughts. [Fr., La parole a ete donnce a l'homme pour deguiser sa pensee.]

The reputation of a man is like his shadow, gigantic when it precedes him, and pigmy in its proportions when it follows.

There is one person that is wiser than anybody, and that is everybody.

Love of glory can only create a great hero; contempt of glory creates a great man.

Beauty, devoid of grace, is a mere hook without the bait.

Those who have not lived in the eighteenth century, in the years before the Revolution do not know the sweetness of living and cannot imagine what it was like to have happiness in life.

I know where there is more wisdom than is found in Napoleon, Voltaire, or all the ministers present and to come - in public opinion.

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.

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.

Merit, however inconsiderable, should be sought for and rewarded. Methods are the master of masters.

Wherever there's trouble, look for a priest.

A court is an assembly of noble and distinguished beggars.

Speech has been given to man to disguise his thoughts.

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.

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.

Too much sensibility creates unhappiness and too much insensibility creates crime.

She is such a good friend that she would throw all her acquaintances into the water for the pleasure of fishing them out again.

Methods are the masters of masters.

Nothing succeeds so well as success.

Espresso is to Italy, what champagne is to France.

Love is a reality which is born in the fairy region of romance.

Those who did not live during the years close to 1789 do not know the pleasure of living.