I always thought I was Jeanne d'Arc and Bonaparte. How little one knows oneself.
Charles De GaulleRead
As an adolescent I was convinced that France would have to go through gigantic trials, that the interest of life consisted in one day rendering her some signal service and that I would have the occasion to do so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a youthful idealism and belief in the importance of contributing to one's country.
Charles De Gaulle expresses a youthful conviction that his life would have purpose through significant challenges faced by France, suggesting that individual contributions to one's nation and ideals can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and service. This sentiment highlights the importance of civic engagement and personal responsibility in the face of adversity, illustrating a desire to leave a positive mark on society.
Themes
ServiceCountryYouthIdealismContribution
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about volunteerism, one could cite this quote to inspire young people to serve their country.
More from Charles De Gaulle
All quotes →Don't ask me who's influenced me. A lion is made up of the lambs he's digested, and I've been reading all my life.
Charles De GaulleRead
Today we are crushed by the sheer weight of the mechanized forces hurled against us, but we can still look to the future in which even greater mechanized forces will bring us victory. Therein lies the destiny of the world.
Charles De GaulleRead
The perfection preached in the gospels never yet built an empire. Every man of action has a strong dose of egotism, pride, hardness, and cunning.
Charles De GaulleRead
One must wait until the evening to see how splendid the day was; one cannot judge life until death.
Charles De GaulleRead
Soyons fermes, purs et fidèles ; au bout de nos peines, il y a la plus grande gloire du monde, celle des hommes qui n'ont pas cédé. [Let us be firm, pure and faithful; at the end of our sorrow, there is the greatest glory of the world, that of the men who did not give in.]
Charles De GaulleRead
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