Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte

French Emperor and conqueror

Early Modern influential 138 sayings

Sayings by Napoleon Bonaparte

Give me enough medals and I'll win you any war.

Unknown — Attributed, highlighting the importance of recognition and morale for soldiers
General Unverifiable

Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet. Religion is what prevents the poor from murdering the rich.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his pragmatic view of religion as a tool for social control
Work & Money Unverifiable

In politics, an absurdity is not an obstacle.

Unknown — Attributed, highlighting the often illogical nature of political decisions
General Unverifiable

The strong man is the one who can intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting on self-control and mental discipline
General Unverifiable

One must not fight with too many enemies at once.

Unknown — Maxims (attributed), a practical strategic warning
General Unverifiable

The people to whom I have done the most good are those who complain the most of me.

Unknown — Attributed, a cynical observation on ingratitude
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

He who fears being conquered is sure to be defeated.

Unknown — Maxims (attributed)
Food & Drink Unverifiable

If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.

Unknown — Attributed, a common saying reflecting his hands-on approach
General Unverifiable

The most dangerous moment for a bad government is when it begins to reform.

Unknown — Attributed, a keen political observation
General Unverifiable

Public opinion is a force no less powerful than the sword.

Unknown — Attributed, recognizing the importance of propaganda and public perception
General Unverifiable

The art of being a bore is to say everything.

Unknown — Attributed, a witty remark on conversation and rhetoric
General Unverifiable

It is not what is true that counts, but what is thought to be true.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting his understanding of propaganda and perception
General Unverifiable

I have made all the mistakes of the generals before me, and I have learned from them.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting on his learning from history
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Nothing is lost as long as one thinks it is not.

Unknown — Maxims (attributed)
General Unverifiable

The principles of war are the same as those of a siege. Fire, movement, and surprise.

Unknown — Attributed, a concise summary of military strategy
General Unverifiable

The greatest danger occurs at the moment of victory.

Unknown — Maxims (attributed)
Food & Drink Unverifiable

It is not genius that has revealed to me all the secrets of life, but my memory.

Unknown — Attributed, reflecting on the importance of experience and learning
General Unverifiable

One may lose a battle, but one must never lose the advantage of a moment.

Unknown — Attributed, emphasizing opportunism in warfare
Life & Aging Unverifiable

The poor wretches say anything that comes into their mind and what they think the interrogator wishes to know.

1798 — From a letter to Louis Alexandre Berthier, concerning interrogation methods, revealing a cynical vie…
Shocking Unverifiable

If you wish to be success in the world promise everything deliver nothing.

Approx. early 19th century — A highly unethical and manipulative piece of advice on achieving success.
Shocking Unverifiable
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