Napoleon Bonaparte quotes - page 6

Sometimes a great example is necessary to all the public functionaries of the state. (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Greatness is nothing unless it be lasting.
Napoleon Bonaparte
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.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The life of a citizen is the property of his country.
Napoleon Bonaparte
There are only two forces that unite men - fear and interest. All great revolutions originate in fear, for the play of interests does not lead to accomplishment.
Napoleon Bonaparte
There are so many laws that no one is safe from hanging.
Napoleon Bonaparte
As a rule it is circumstances that make men.
Napoleon Bonaparte
One must indeed be ignorant of the methods of genius to suppose that it allows itself to be cramped by forms. Forms are for mediocrity, and it is fortunate that mediocrity can act only according to routine. Ability takes its flight unhindered.
Napoleon Bonaparte
From triumph to downfall is but a step. I have seen a trifle decide the most important issues in the gravest affairs.
Napoleon Bonaparte
It is only by prudence, wisdom, and dexterity, that great ends are attained and obstacles overcome. Without these qualities nothing succeeds.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The man fitted for affairs and authority never considers individuals, but things and their consequences. (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Destiny urges me to a goal of which I am ignorant. Until that goal is attained I am invulnerable, unassailable. When Destiny has accomplished her purpose in me, a fly may suffice to destroy me.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Men have their virtues and their vices, their heroisms and their perversities; men are neither wholly good nor wholly bad, but possess and practice all that there is of good and bad here below. Such is the general rule. Temperament, education, the accidents of life, are modifying factors. Outside of this, everything is ordered arrangement, everything is chance. Such has been my rule of expectation and it has usually brought me success.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Whatever misanthropists may say, ingrates and the perverse are exceptions in the human species.
Napoleon Bonaparte
It is a mistake, too, to say that the face is the mirror of the soul. The truth is, men are very hard to know, and yet, not to be deceived, we must judge them by their present actions, but for the present only.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Ordinarily men exercise their memory much more than their judgment.
Napoleon Bonaparte
How many seemingly impossible things have been accomplished by resolute men because they had to do, or die.
Napoleon Bonaparte
One must learn to forgive and not to hold a hostile, bitter attitude of mind, which offends those about us and prevents us from enjoying ourselves; one must recognize human shortcomings and adjust himself to them rather than to be constantly finding fault with them.
Napoleon Bonaparte
In politics nothing is immutable. Events carry within them an invincible power. The unwise destroy themselves in resistance. The skillful accept events, take strong hold of them and direct them.
Napoleon Bonaparte
It is only with prudence, sagacity, and much dexterity that great aims are accomplished, and all obstacles surmounted. Otherwise nothing is accomplished.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The great difficulty with politics is, that there are no established principles. (Napoleon Bonaparte)
Lead the ideas of your time and they will accompany and support you; fall behind them and they drag you along with them; oppose them and they will overwhelm you.
Napoleon Bonaparte
A prince should suspect everything.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Obedience to public authority ought not to be based either on ignorance or stupidity.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The laws of circumstance are abolished by new circumstances.
Napoleon Bonaparte