Napoleon Bonaparte

French Emperor and conqueror

Early Modern influential 138 sayings

Sayings by Napoleon Bonaparte

In war, the moral is to the physical as three to one.

c. 1804-1815 (published 1831) — Maxims of War (1831, posthumously published)
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When you have an army of lions led by a deer, the lion army will lose. When you have an army of deer led by a lion, the deer army will win.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, emphasizing the importance of leadership.
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Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed to various sources, consistent with his awareness of public opinion and propaganda.
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The future depends on what we do in the present.

Uncertain — Attributed, a common inspirational quote, but direct attribution to Napoleon is hard to verify.
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Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard to conquer her, and I will not allow anyone to take her from me.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflects his relentless pursuit and retention of power.
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The people to whom I have done the most good are those whom I have most reason to fear.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his cynical view of loyalty and gratitude.
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Conquest has made me what I am; conquest alone can maintain me.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, a candid admission of his dependence on military success.
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The rabble is the same everywhere.

1796 — Letter to Josephine (1796), referring to the populace.
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The Austrians are like babies; they always cry after they have been beaten.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his disdain for his adversaries.
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It is not the truth that matters, but the impression it makes.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, revealing his understanding of propaganda and public perception.
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I am surrounded by flatterers, but I know their worth.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, suggesting his awareness of the sycophancy around him.
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The human mind is far more subject to superstition than to reason.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting a somewhat cynical view of human nature.
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One must not lose the opportunity of striking when the iron is hot.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, a common proverb he likely endorsed and practiced.
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The art of war is to gain time when your strength is inferior.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
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There is no such thing as an accident; it is only a consequence of a neglected duty.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, emphasizing his belief in careful planning and responsibility.
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I am not a man, but a public figure.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, highlighting his perception of himself as an embodiment of the state.
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The people are not to be trusted.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his authoritarian leanings.
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I had to have a wife, and I had to have children.

c. 1810 — Attributed to his reasoning for marrying Marie Louise, emphasizing dynastic concerns.
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