Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte

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)
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

The rabble is the same everywhere.

1796 — Letter to Josephine (1796), referring to the populace.
Shocking Unverifiable

The Austrians are like babies; they always cry after they have been beaten.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his disdain for his adversaries.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

I am surrounded by flatterers, but I know their worth.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, suggesting his awareness of the sycophancy around him.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

The art of war is to gain time when your strength is inferior.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable

The people are not to be trusted.

Uncertain, c. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his authoritarian leanings.
Shocking Unverifiable

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.
Shocking Unverifiable
Your Cart

Your cart is empty