Charles de Gaulle

French leader, WWII resistance

Modern influential 161 sayings

Sayings by Charles de Gaulle

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Unknown — Attributed (often misattributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, but De Gaulle also used similar sentiments)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a man of the people.

Unknown — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

Unknown — Attributed (often misattributed to Samuel Johnson, but De Gaulle also used it)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The French are a nation of individualists.

Unknown — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a man of my word.

Unknown — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

Unknown — Attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

France is not alone!

1940 — Appeal of 18 June
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The French are a 'nation of calves'.

1966 — Referring to the French people
Controversial Unverifiable

I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.

1954 — Interview
Controversial Confirmed

France has no friends, only interests.

1960s (approx.) — Attributed, often cited in foreign policy discussions
Controversial Unverifiable

Britain, like Greece, is a maritime power, an island. She is interested in the outside world, not in Europe.

1963 — Comments on Britain's relationship with Europe
Controversial Unverifiable

The only valid ambition is to be an exception.

Unknown — Attributed
Controversial Unverifiable

The great leaders of history, the makers of nations, the founders of empires, have always been men of character, not men of theories.

Unknown — Attributed
Controversial Unverifiable

The Americans are a great people, but a vulgar one.

1960s (approx.) — Attributed, often cited in discussions of Franco-American relations
Controversial Unverifiable

Faced with a choice between the United States and the Soviet Union, France chooses France.

1966 — Statement on French foreign policy
Controversial Unverifiable

I have tried to raise France from the mud.

1960s (approx.) — Referring to his efforts after World War II
Controversial Unverifiable

Politics is not about logic, but about passions.

Unknown — Attributed
Controversial Unverifiable

The older I get, the more I believe that women should be in the kitchen.

1960s (approx.) — Reported private comment
Controversial Unverifiable

The most difficult thing is to be simple.

Unknown — Attributed
Controversial Unverifiable

I am too old to change my habits, and too French to change my character.

1960s (approx.) — Attributed
Controversial Unverifiable