251 quotes
I never was truly my own master but was always ruled by circumstances.
From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step.
The greater the man, the less is he opinionative, he depends upon events and circumstances.
Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)
Sometimes a great example is necessary to all the public functionaries of the state.
Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)
There is only one step from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Necessity dominates inclination, will, and right.
Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916)
The great art of governing consists in not letting men grow old in their jobs.
When you have an enemy in your power, deprive him of the means of ever injuring you.
Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)
Commerce unites men and make them; therefore it is fatal to despotic power.
Orders and decorations are necessary in order to dazzle the people.
Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)
Hereditary succession to the magistracy is absurd, as it tends to make a property of it; it is incompatible with the sovereignty of the people.
Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)
In practical administration, experience is everything.
Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916)
What then is, generally speaking, the truth of history? A fable agreed upon.
But it is at home and not in public that one should wash ones dirty linen.
Soldiers, forty centuries are looking down upon you from these pyramids.
France is invaded; I am leaving to take command of my troops, and, with God's help and their valor, I hope soon to drive the enemy beyond the frontier.
Our hour is marked, and no one can claim a moment of life beyond what fate has predestined.
Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons.
He who fears being conquered is certain of defeat.
Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)
The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.
Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916)