Jean Monnet Quotes

The fusion (of economic functions) would compel nations to fuse their sovereignty into that of a single European State.

Make men work together, show them that beyond their differences and geographical boundaries there lies a common interest.

People only accept change when they are faced with necessity, and only recognize necessity when a crisis is upon them.

The great thing about making cognac is that it teaches you above everything else to wait-man proposes, but time and God and the seasons have got to be on your side.

Everyone is ambition. The question is whether he is ambitious to be or to do.

Nothing is possible without men; nothing is lasting without institutions.

Nothing is possible without men, but nothing lasts without institutions.

The countries of Europe are too small to guarantee their peoples the necessary prosperity and social development. The European states must constitute themselves into a federation.

Europe has never existed. One must genuinely create Europe.

Everybody is ambitious. The question is whether he is ambitious to be or ambitious to do.

There is no future for the people of Europe other than in union.

Building Union among people not cooperation between states

Men only act in a state of necessity and usually only recognise necessity in a situation of crisis.

Premature ideas do not exist, one must bide one’s time until the right moment comes along.

There is no real peace in Europe, if the states are reconstituted on a basis of national sovereignty. (…) They must have larger markets. Their prosperity is impossible, unless the States of Europe form themselves in a European Federation.