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Quotes from Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts — Napoleon

1769–1821 France

← All quotes by Napoleon

19 quotes

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)

When you have an enemy in your power, deprive him of the means of ever injuring you.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

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)

He who fears being conquered is certain of defeat.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

A constitution should be framed so as not to impede the action of government, nor force the government to its violation.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

What is the government? nothing, unless supported by opinion.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

A King should sacrifice the best affections of his heart for the good of his country; no sacrifice should be above his determination.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

Power is founded upon opinion.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

A great people may be killed, but they cannot be intimidated.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

The life of a citizen is the property of his country.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

You cannot treat with all the world at once.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

Greatness is nothing unless it be lasting.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

The people must not be counted upon; they cry indifferently : "Long live the King!" and "Long live the Conspirators!" a proper direction must be given to them, and proper instruments employed to effect it.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

A great reserve and severity of manners are necessary for the command of those who are older than ourselves.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

A king is sometimes obliged to commit crimes; but they are the crimes of his position.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

A Government protected by foreigners will never be accepted by a free people.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

Many a one commits a reprehensible action, who is at bottom an honourable man, because man seldom acts upon natural impulse, but from some secret passion of the moment which lies hidden and concealed within the narrowest folds of his heart.

Political Aphorisms, Moral and Philosophical Thoughts (1848)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Napoleon (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.