History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Among those who dislike oppression are many who like to oppress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the hypocrisy of those who oppose oppression yet may engage in oppressive behavior themselves.
Napoleon Bonaparte's quote sheds light on the irony present within human nature. It points out that while many individuals may outwardly express disdain for oppression, they can simultaneously exhibit oppressive tendencies, whether out of power, fear, or self-interest. This contradiction suggests that the dislike for oppression does not guarantee the absence of oppressive behavior, leading to a deeper discussion about morality and self-awareness in contexts of power dynamics.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on social justice, one might quote this to highlight the complexities of human behavior.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
All quotes βOne 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.
Similar quotes
In the alluvial sweep of the land, I thought I could see the past and the present and the future all at once, as though time were not sequential in nature but took place without a beginning or an end, like a flash of green light rippling outward from the center of creation, not unlike a dream inside the mind of God.
I have not observed mens honesty to increase with their riches.
Anyone wanting to proclaim the glory of Christ to the ends of the earth must consider not only how to declare the gospel verbally but also how to demonstrate the gospel visibly in a world where so many are urgently hungry. If I am going to address urgent spriitual need by sharing the gospel of Christ or building up the body of Christ around the world, then I cannot overlook dire physical need in the process.
Under the strain of this continually impending doom and by the sleeplessness to which I now condemned myself, ay, even beyond what I had thought possible to man, I became, in my own person, a creature eaten up and emptied by fever, languidly weak both in body and mind, and solely occupied by one thought: the horror of my other self.
For instance, I never complained that my birthday was overlooked; people were even surprised, with a touch of admiration, by my discretion on this subject. But the reason for my disinterestedness was even more discreet: I longed to be forgotten in order to be able to complain to myself... Once my solitude was thoroughly proved, I could surrender to the charms of a virile self-pity.
The humble, meek, merciful, and just are everywhere of one religion; and when death has taken off the mask they will know one another, though the diverse liveries they wear here make them strangers.