Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

Each person must decide for himself what he wants each day. As a leader, I will expose you to the options and the likely consequences of those options. I'll even share my opinion if asked, but I'll never confuse it with the opinion, which simply doesn't exist.

An order that can be misunderstood will be misunderstood.

Every private in the French army carries a Field Marshall wand in his knapsack.

When firmness is sufficient, rashness is unnecessary.

Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those who obey.

Some men must follow, and some command, though all are made of clay.

It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead -- and find no one there.

Our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.