QuoteProject
History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon Bonaparte
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

History is shaped by collective beliefs rather than objective truths.

This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte suggests that what we understand as history is often just a shared narrative agreed upon by people, rather than an absolute truth. It implies that the interpretation of historical events is influenced by perception, consensus, and bias, highlighting the subjective nature of historical narratives and the power of societal beliefs in shaping our understanding of the past.

Themes

HistoryBeliefMythTruthPerception

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of understanding historical narratives, one might say, 'As Napoleon Bonaparte said, history is a myth that men agree to believe.'

More from 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 BonaparteRead
One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
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.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
When small men attempt great enterprises, they always end by reducing them to the level of their mediocrity.
Napoleon BonaparteRead

Similar quotes

Every man who steeps himself in the spiritual possibilities of his heart is a valuable helper in the building of the spiritual pyramid which will someday reach to heaven.
Wassily KandinskyRead
I have cultivated my hysteria with delight and terror. Now I suffer continually from vertigo, and today, 23rd of January, 1862, I have received a singular warning, I have felt the wind of the wing of madness pass over me.
Charles BaudelaireRead
All neurotics seek the religious
Carl JungRead
thus men forgot that all deities reside in the human breast.
William BlakeRead
Whitney wanted to eradicate the idea that in the case of a language we are dealing with a natural faculty; in fact, social institutions stand opposed to natural institutions.
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
God seeks comrades and claims love,_x000D_ _x000D_ The devil seeks slaves and claims obedience.
Rabindranath TagoreRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.