History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
In tragedy great men are more truly great than in history. We see them only in the crises which unfold them.
Interpretation
Greatness is revealed in times of crisis rather than in peaceful moments of history.
This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte suggests that the true measure of a man's greatness is often revealed during times of tragedy and crisis. While historical records may celebrate achievements in times of stability, it is in the face of challenges that leaders and great individuals showcase their true character and capabilities. Thus, crises act as a catalyst, unfolding the greatness that may otherwise remain hidden.
In practice
During a motivational speech about leadership in challenging times.
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.
She was the most wonderful woman for prowling about the house. How she got from one story to another was a mystery beyond solution. A lady so decorous in herself, and so highly connected, was not to be suspected of dropping over the banisters or sliding down them, yet her extraordinary facility of locomotion suggested the wild idea.
It is an impressively arrogant move to conclude that just because you don’t like something, it is empirically not good. I don’t like Chinese food, but I don’t write articles trying to prove it doesn’t exist.
The United States is no more a Christian nation because most of its citizens are Christians than it is a 'white' nation because most of its citizens are white. We are Americans because we practice democracy and believe in republican government, not because we practice revealed religion and believe in Bible-based government.
Greed is an imperfection that defiles the mind; hate is an imperfection that defiles the mind; delusion is an imperfection that defiles the mind.
It was too much. The comfortable people made comfortable jokes about weather and things but I sat mostly silent saying a word or so when necessary a word or so trying to hide from them the fact that I was a fool and feeling terrible And I was numb, numb again, numb again again and again, numbness and pain swelling in me.
When a human being kills an animal for food, he is neglecting his own hunger for justice.
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