Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Quotes

A collection of quotes by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand.

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand was a prominent figure in French politics and diplomacy during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in Paris in 1754 into a noble family, Talleyrand began his political career as a bishop and became known for his wit and intellect. He played a crucial role in the French Revolution, initially supporting it, before ultimately aligning himself with Napoleon Bonaparte.

Talleyrand served as the French ambassador to Great Britain from 1830 to 1834, where he negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1831, which helped establish Belgium as an independent country. Throughout his career, he also held various influential positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs under Napoleon Bonaparte and Louis XVIII.

Notably, Talleyrand was known for his skills as a diplomat, using his intelligence and cunning to shape French foreign policy. He played a key role in negotiating important treaties, such as the Treaty of Amiens in 1802 and the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

Talleyrand's political career spanned several decades, marked by a constant pursuit of power and influence. Despite accusations of being a turncoat and opportunistic, he was undoubtedly one of the most skilled diplomats of his time. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand passed away in 1838, leaving behind a legacy as a shrewd and influential figure in French history.