Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

Date of Birth: February 2, 1754

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 17, 1838

Biography

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, commonly known as Talleyrand, was a highly influential French diplomat who played pivotal roles in the political landscape of Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into an aristocratic family, Talleyrand was initially destined for a career in the church. However, his ambitions soon led him to politics and diplomacy. He served under multiple regimes, including the Ancien Régime, the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Bourbon Restoration. Known for his wit, eloquence, and strategic acumen, Talleyrand was instrumental in negotiating terms at the Congress of Vienna, which reshaped Europe after the Napoleonic wars. His ability to navigate through the turbulent political shifts of his time earned him a reputation as a master of realpolitik.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

1. Talleyrand was born with a foot deformity, which led him to be groomed for a clerical career as he was deemed unfit for military service.

2. He was excommunicated by the Catholic Church in 1791 for his role in the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which sought to bring the church under state control.

3. Talleyrand was a key negotiator in the Treaty of Amiens (1802), which temporarily ended hostilities between France and the United Kingdom during the Napoleonic Wars.

4. He played a significant role in the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), helping to restore the Bourbon monarchy in France and reshape the map of Europe.

5. Despite being a political chameleon, Talleyrand maintained a strong network of personal relationships that spanned various political factions and international borders.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

1. “A diplomat who says ‘yes’ means ‘maybe,’ a diplomat who says ‘maybe’ means ‘no,’ and a diplomat who says ‘no’ is no diplomat.”

2. “Speech was given to man to disguise his thoughts.”

3. “The art of statesmanship is to foresee the inevitable and to expedite its occurrence.”

4. “I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep.”

5. “I found there were no foundations in anything; I saw all the principles of social order swept away.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Talleyrand amassed significant wealth throughout his career, with his net worth peaking at an estimated 20 million francs, making him one of the wealthiest men of his time.

Children

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand had no legitimate children. However, he was rumored to have had several illegitimate offspring, the most notable being Charles Joseph, comte de Flahaut, who also became a prominent diplomat.