Cardinal Richelieu Quotes

1585–1642 France

Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu et de Fronsac (9 September 1585 – 4 December 1642) was a French clergyman, noble, and statesman. Consecrated as a bishop in 1607, he was appointed Foreign Secretary in 1616.

France
Politicians

Also known as: Richelieu, Richelieu, Cardinal, Armand Jean du Plessis, Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu

Random Cardinal Richelieu quote

12 quotes

Had Luther and Calvin been confined before they had begun to dogmatize, the states would have been spared many troubles.

The Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.

To know how to dissemble is the knowledge of kings.

To mislead a rival, deception is permissible; one may use all means against his enemies.

Artifice is allowable in deceiving a rival, we may employ everything against our enemies.

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.

Champlain's Dream‎ (2008)

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.

We may employ artifice to deceive a rival, anything against our enemies.

The last reasoning of Kings.

If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.

Disputed

The people can be easily misled, but a wise autocrat can guide them towards their own good

Disputed

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Cardinal Richelieu (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.