Talleyrand

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord was born on 2nd February 1754. This former clergy man who turned to politics is considered one of the best diplomats France ever had. He served 9 different regimes within the span of some forty years and got through the reign of Louis XVI, the French Revolution, Napoleon, then Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis-Philippe during the restoration of Monarchy…

Here are a few of his quotes:

“The best way to overthrow government is to be a part of it”

“Politics is the art of agitating the people before using them”

“Man has been enabled to speak so he can hide his thoughts”

“The only thing worse than an insult is the truth”

“People either say too good or too bad things about me. I enjoy the honors of exaggeration!”