Charles de Gaulle Quotes

A collection of quotes by Charles de Gaulle.

Charles de Gaulle was a French military officer and statesman who played a pivotal role in the history of France. He was born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France. De Gaulle had a distinguished military career, serving in World War I and later becoming a prominent figure during World War II.

During World War II, de Gaulle led the Free French Forces, rallying French resistance against the German occupation of France. From 1940 to 1944, he operated in exile from London, inspiring millions of French citizens with his broadcasts and advocating for the liberation of France.

After the war, de Gaulle became the provisional president of the French government, overseeing the drafting of a new constitution. In 1959, he was elected the first President of the Fifth Republic of France, a position he held until 1969. De Gaulle pursued a policy of national independence and a strong executive presidency, aiming to modernize and improve France's global standing.

Known for his charismatic leadership, de Gaulle implemented various reforms, including economic modernization, nuclear weapons development, and withdrawal from NATO's integrated military structure. He also played a crucial role in decolonization, granting independence to several French territories in Africa and Asia.

Charles de Gaulle's influence extended beyond his presidency and continues to shape French politics. He resigned from the presidency in 1969 and spent his remaining years in retirement, writing memoirs and reflecting on his legacy. He passed away on November 9, 1970, in Colombey-les-Deux-Ã‰glises, France, leaving behind a lasting impact on the nation and the world.

How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and fort

How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?

Charles de Gaulle

I respect only those who resist me, but I cannot tolerate th

I respect only those who resist me, but I cannot tolerate them.

Charles de Gaulle

Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.

Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.

Charles de Gaulle

In the tumult of men and events, solitude was my temptation;

In the tumult of men and events, solitude was my temptation; now it is my friend. What other satisfaction can be sought once you have confronted History?

Charles de Gaulle

I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a

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

Charles de Gaulle

When I am right, I get angry. Churchill gets angry when he i

When I am right, I get angry. Churchill gets angry when he is wrong. So we were often angry at each other.

Charles de Gaulle

The graveyards are full of indispensable men.

The graveyards are full of indispensable men.

Charles de Gaulle

Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rai

Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rains, they drown in every drop.

Charles de Gaulle

For glory gives herself only to those who have always dreame

For glory gives herself only to those who have always dreamed of her.

Charles de Gaulle

Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and m

Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined to be so.

Charles de Gaulle

You may be sure that the Americans will commit all the stupi

You may be sure that the Americans will commit all the stupidities they can think of, plus some that are beyond imagination.

Charles de Gaulle

The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving

The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.

Charles de Gaulle

It is not tolerable, it is not possible, that from so much d

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.

Charles de Gaulle

I have tried to lift France out of the mud. But she will ret

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.

Charles de Gaulle

Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first natio

Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.

Charles de Gaulle

In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country o

In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.

Charles de Gaulle

You'll live. Only the best get killed.

You'll live. Only the best get killed.

Charles de Gaulle

Treaties are like roses and young girls -- they last while t

Treaties are like roses and young girls -- they last while they last

Charles de Gaulle

Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himsel

Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own.

Charles de Gaulle

Every man of action has a strong dose of egoism, pride, hard

Every man of action has a strong dose of egoism, pride, hardness, and cunning. But all those things will be regarded as high qualities if he can make them the means to achieve great ends.

Charles de Gaulle