History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the passion for power as a form of artistic expression, akin to a musician's relationship with their instrument.
Napoleon Bonaparte's quote illustrates the profound connection an artist has with power, akin to that of a musician with their violin. He emphasizes that power is not merely a tool for dominance, but rather a medium through which one can create beauty and harmony, much like the various sounds produced by a violin. This artistic perspective on power suggests that it can be channeled creatively to foster positive outcomes.
Themes
PowerArtMusicExpressionHarmony
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity, one could quote this to emphasize the importance of artistic expression.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
All quotes →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.
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One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.
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We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.
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Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.
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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.
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