Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal-Duke of Richelieu and of Fronsac (September 9, 1585 – December 4, 1642) was a French clergyman, noble and statesman. Consecrated as a bishop in 1607, he later entered politics, becoming a Secretary of State in 1616. Richelieu soon rose in both the Catholic Church and the French government, becoming a Cardinal in 1622, and King Louis XIII's chief minister in 1624. He remained in office until his death in 1642; he was succeeded by Cardinal Mazarin, whose career he had fostered. (Click here for full Wikipedia article)
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Carry on any enterprise as if all future success depended on it.
Deception is the knowledge of kings.
Harshness towards individuals who flout the laws and commands of state is for the public good; no greater crime against the public interest is possible than to show leniency to those who violate it.
I have never had any (enemies), other than those of the state.
If one would give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest man, I would find something in them to have him hanged.
Never write a letter and never destroy one.
Not the least of the qualities that go into the making of a great ruler is the ability of letting others serve him.
Nothing is as dangerous for the state as those who would govern kingdoms with maxims found in books.
Nothing so upholds the laws as the punishment of persons whose rank is as great as their crime.
Reason must be the universal rule and guide; all things must be done according to reason without allowing oneself to be swayed by emotion.
Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.
War is one of the scourges with which it has pleased God to afflict men.
We may employ artifice to deceive a rival, anything against our enemies.
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(September 9 is also the birthday of Leo Tolstoy and Paul Goodman.)
Categories: Cardinal Richelieu, Quotes of the day
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