Napoleon Bonaparte

History is a myth that men agree to believe.

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.

One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.

We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.

Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.

It is my wish that my ashes may repose on the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French people, whom I have loved so well.

When small men attempt great enterprises, they always end by reducing them to the level of their mediocrity.

All religions have been made by men.

In politics stupidity is not a handicap.

To do all that one is able to do, is to be a man; to do all that one would like to do, is to be a god.

Do you wish to find out the really sublime? Repeat the Lord's Prayer.

One must change one's tactics every ten years if one wishes to maintain one's superiority.

A revolution can be neither made nor stopped. The only thing that can be done is for one of several of its children to give it a direction by dint of victories.

Soldiers generally win battles; generals get credit for them.

The surest way to remain poor is to be an honest man.

I haven't known 6 days of happiness in my life.

Neglect of duty does not cease, by repetition, to be neglect of duty.

Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.

History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.

As for me, to love you alone, to make you happy, to do nothing which would contradict your wishes, this is my destiny and the meaning of my life.

I love power. But it is as an artist that I love it. I love it as a musician loves his violin, to draw out its sounds and chords and harmonies.