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Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand
French statesman and diplomat
(1754-1838)



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They have learned nothing, and forgotten nothing.
-- Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, 1796, speaking of the Bourbon émigrés in exile

It is worse than a crime; it is a blunder.
-- Referring to Napoleon's murder of the Duke of Enghien

This is the beginning of the end.
-- Speaking of Napoleon's victory at Borodino (during the Russian campaign), 1812

It is not an event; it is an item of news.
-- On hearing of the death of Napoleon, 1821

Above all, gentlemen, no excessive enthusiasm.
-- Giving advice to diplomats

The allies are too frightened to fight each other, too stupid to agree.
-- Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand

I found a country with thirty-two religions and only one sauce.
-- Referring to the United States

Speech was given to man to disguise his thoughts.
-- Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand

War is much too serious a thing to be left to military men.
-- Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, attributed; quoted by French prime minister, Aristide Briand, during World War I



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The selection of the above quotes and the writing of the accompanying notes was performed by the author David Paul Wagner.

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