French Revolution

Famous quotes containing the words french revolution, french and/or revolution:

    It was not reason that besieged Troy; it was not reason that sent forth the Saracen from the desert to conquer the world; that inspired the crusades; that instituted the monastic orders; it was not reason that produced the Jesuits; above all, it was not reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.
    Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)

    The French are certainly misunderstood:Mbut whether the fault is theirs, in not sufficiently explaining themselves; or speaking with that exact limitation and precision which one would expect ... or whether the fault may not be altogether on our side ... I shall not decide.
    Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)

    We have not made the Revolution, the Revolution has made us.
    Georg Büchner (1813–1837)