History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the distinction between human capabilities and divine aspirations.
Napoleon Bonaparte's quote emphasizes the difference between the limits of human potential and the boundless nature of divine capabilities. It suggests that achieving one's full potential as a human represents the essence of being a man, while aspiring to do more than what is naturally possible aligns with a god-like ambition. This idea invites reflection on our human limitations and the drive to go beyond them while recognizing that some desires may remain unattainable.
Themes
PotentialAspirationHumanDivineCapability
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage students to pursue their dreams by acknowledging their limitations and striving to exceed them.
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.
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
Similar quotes
There is no avoiding the fact that we live at the mercy of our ideas This is never more true than with our ideas about God.
Dallas WillardRead
From the moment absurdity is recognized, it becomes a passion, the most harrowing of all. But whether or not one can live with one's passions, whether or not one can accept their law, which is to burn the heart they simultaneously exalt - that is the whole question.
Albert CamusRead
On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.
EpictetusRead
Of all the communities available to us, there is not one I would want to devote myself to except for the society of the true seekers, which has very few living members at any one time.
Albert EinsteinRead
A peculiar virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct
Aldo LeopoldRead
IDLENESS, n. A model farm where the devil experiments with seeds of new sins and promotes the growth of staple vices.
Ambrose BierceRead