Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle, born on November 22, 1890, in Lille, France, was a towering figure in 20th-century history. As a French army officer and statesman, he led the Free French Forces during World War II, founded the Fifth Republic, and served as President of France from 1959 to 1969. His career highlights include orchestrating France’s liberation, driving decolonization, and promoting European unity, earning him a legacy as a visionary leader and symbol of resilience. The quotes below, sourced from his books, speeches, and interviews, focus on themes of life, drawing from his profound reflections on human existence, struggle, and purpose. This curated list of 15 quotes offers timeless wisdom from de Gaulle’s writings and public addresses.
15 Charles de Gaulle Quotes
1. “The graveyards are full of indispensable men.” (Book, “The Edge of the Sword,” 1932)
2. “Life has no meaning except in action.” (Book, “Memoirs of War,” 1954)
3. “In order to become large, one must know how to become small.” (Interview, Le Figaro, 1965)
4. “Life is too short to be small.” (Book, “Memoirs of Hope,” 1970)
5. “The essence of life is to resist.” (Speech, London, 1940)
6. “Every man of action has a strong dose of egoism, pride, hardness, and cunning.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1968)
7. “In life, as in war, audacity has a magic power.” (Speech, Algiers, 1958)
8. “History does not teach fatalism; there are moments when the will of a handful of free men breaks through determinism.” (Book, “The Complete War Memoirs,” 1964)
9. “Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises.” (Interview, BBC, 1944)
10. “To govern is to choose, and in life, choices define us.” (Speech, Élysée Palace, 1962)
11. “The joy of life is in the struggle, in the effort, in the suffering involved.” (Book, “Memoirs of War,” 1954)
12. “In life, one must dare or die.” (Attributed speech, n.d.)
13. “Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first, but it must be lived with integrity.” (Speech, Free France Broadcast, 1942)
14. “Life demands that we rise above our circumstances.” (Interview, Paris Match, 1969)
15. “The better I know men, the more I find myself loving dogs, for they teach us simplicity in life.” (Book, “The Edge of the Sword,” 1932)
These quotes from Charles de Gaulle illuminate his deep insight into life’s challenges, emphasizing resilience, the power of action, and the human spirit’s capacity for growth amid adversity. They reflect a man who faced monumental trials with unflinching determination, offering lessons that remain relevant today. What do these words mean to you, or which quote resonates most? Share your thoughts and favorite de Gaulle insights in the comments below.