It is not tolerable, it is not possible, that from so much death, so much sacrifice and ruin, so much heroism, a greater and better humanity shall not emerge.

Church is the only place where someone speaks to me and I do not have to answer back.

Deliberation is the work of many men. Action, of one alone.

France cannot be France without greatness.

I have heard your views. They do not harmonize with mine. The decision is taken unanimously.

I have tried to lift France out of the mud. But she will return to her errors and vomitings. I cannot prevent the French from being French.

Never relinquish the initiative.

No country without an atom bomb could properly consider itself independent.

No nation has friends only interests.

The sword is the axis of the world and its power is absolute.

There can be no prestige without mystery, for familiarity breeds contempt.

Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last.

You start out giving your hat, then you give your coat, then your shirt, then your skin and finally your soul.

A great country worthy of the name does not have any friends.

Greatness is a road leading towards the unknown.

Hearing Mass is the ceremony I most favor during my travels. Church is the only place where someone speaks to me and I do not have to answer back.

I grew up to always respect authority and respect those in charge.

I have against me the bourgeois, the military and the diplomats, and for me, only the people who take the Metro.

I might have had trouble saving France in 1946 - I didn't have television then.

I was France.