Cardinal Richelieu

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.

Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal et Duc de Richelieu (9 September 1585 - 4 December 1642) was a French clergyman, noble, and statesman.

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

Savoir dissimuler est le savoir des rois.
- Translation: Deception is the knowledge of kings.
- “Maxims,” Testament Politique (1641)

Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.
- “Maxims,” Testament Politique (1641)

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Cardinal Richelieu