Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte

French Emperor and conqueror

Early Modern influential 138 sayings

Sayings by Napoleon Bonaparte

God is on the side with the best artillery.

Approx. early 19th century — A blunt and cynical statement on the role of divine intervention in warfare, emphasizing military mi…
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Men are moved by two levers only: fear and self-interest.

Approx. early 19th century — A profoundly cynical and utilitarian view of human motivation.
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Morality has nothing to do with such a man as I am.

Approx. early 19th century — An arrogant and disturbing declaration of his perceived exemption from moral constraints.
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You don't govern men who don't have religion, you shoot them.

Approx. early 19th century — A chilling and tyrannical statement on the necessity of religion for social order, backed by extreme…
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England is a nation of shopkeepers.

Approx. early 19th century — A derogatory and dismissive remark about the English, reflecting nationalistic disdain.
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Friendship is but a name; I love nobody. I do not even love my brothers. Perhaps Joseph, a little, from habit and because he is my elder.

Approx. early 19th century — A deeply disturbing and cold confession of emotional detachment, revealing a calculating personality…
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The greatest enjoyment of oneself comes in moments of danger.

Approx. early 19th century — Revealing a thrill-seeking and possibly reckless aspect of his personality.
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In war, men are nothing, one man is everything.

Approx. early 19th century — A disturbing statement on the expendability of individual soldiers in the grand scheme of warfare an…
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Six hours sleep for a man, seven for a woman and eight for a fool.

Approx. early 19th century — A derogatory and sexist remark about women and a dismissive attitude towards those who require more …
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Friends must always be treated as if one day they might be enemies.

Approx. early 19th century — A cynical and pragmatic view on relationships, suggesting a constant state of distrust and preparedn…
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In politics… never retreat, never retract… never admit a mistake.

Approx. early 19th century — A ruthless and uncompromising political philosophy, advocating for unwavering power and denial of er…
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I would kiss a man's ass if I needed him.

Approx. early 19th century — A crude and pragmatic statement revealing a willingness to debase himself for strategic advantage.
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You must not fear death, my lads; defy him, and you drive him into the enemy's ranks.

Approx. early 19th century — Encouraging reckless bravery and a disregard for one's own life in battle.
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When you have an enemy in your power, deprive him of the means of ever injuring you.

Approx. early 19th century — A ruthless and pragmatic approach to dealing with adversaries, advocating for complete incapacitatio…
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A Constitution should be short and obscure.

Approx. early 19th century — A cynical view of constitutional law, suggesting that ambiguity benefits those in power.
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The only victories which leave no regret are those which are gained over ignorance.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
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China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.

c. 1816-1821 — Attributed by Las Cases in 'Memorial de Sainte Hélène'.
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My power is in my will.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, frequently cited to express his strong determination.
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I am the state.

Uncertain — Often attributed to Louis XIV, but sometimes associated with Napoleon's autocratic tendencies. Unlik…
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The word impossible is not in my dictionary.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, widely known. Exact primary source is debated.
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