History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
Rashness succeeds often, still more often fails.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the risks of impulsive actions, suggesting that while they may sometimes lead to success, they are more likely to result in failure.
Napoleon Bonaparte's quote reflects on the nature of rashness in decision-making. It points out that while acting impulsively can occasionally bring about positive outcomes, it tends to lead to more frequent failures. This serves as a cautionary reminder to weigh decisions carefully rather than rushing into them, illustrating the fine balance between courage and recklessness in pursuit of goals.
In practice
In a motivational speech about making thoughtful decisions in business.
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.
Three of my children are medical doctors; they know at least a hundred times as much about your body as my grandfather knew, but they don't know much more about soul than he did.
On a spiritual level, it's as though with my sighted eye I see what's before me, and with my unsighted eye I see what's hidden. It's illuminated life more than darkened it.
I have the most ill-regulated memory. It does those things which it ought not to do and leaves undone the things it ought to have done. But it has not yet gone on strike altogether.
Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.
Never," said my aunt, "be mean in anything; never be false; never be cruel. Avoid those three vices, Trot, and I can always be hopeful of you.
Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.
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