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100 Quotes by Napoleon Bonaparte: Great Philosophers and Their Inspiring Thoughts
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military figures ever. He rose to prominence during the French Revolution, after which he kept on soaring higher and higher until he was crowned Emperor of the French. He then moved on to gain control of the whole of continental Europe, before the ultimate defeat of 1815. Today, his campaigns are studied in every military school, his liberal politics have had a strong legacy worldwide, and he remains one of the most celebrated and controversial political figures in Western history.
Napoleon's style is clear, concise, sometimes passionnate, always grand; we have selected for you 100 of his best quotes, for you to get acquainted with this intense figure and gain a better understanding of the history of the world he helped shape.
Napoleon's style is clear, concise, sometimes passionnate, always grand; we have selected for you 100 of his best quotes, for you to get acquainted with this intense figure and gain a better understanding of the history of the world he helped shape.
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Published March 4, 2016
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About the author
Napoléon Bonaparte
1,536 books528 followersNapoleon I, originally Napoleon Bonaparte and known as "the Little Corporal," a brilliant strategist, overthrew the directory in 1799 and proclaimed first consul and later emperor of the French and king of Italy from 1804; his military and political might gripped Continental Europe, but after a disastrous campaign in Russia in winter 1812, people forced him to abdicate in 1814 and exiled him to the island of Elba, whither he escaped and briefly regained power before they ultimately defeated him at Waterloo in 1815 and he lived on Saint Helena, yet his code still forms the basis of civil law.
Josephine de Beauharnais wed Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1796 and from 1804 served as wife and empress of the French to 1809; her alleged infertility caused annulment of the marriage in 1810.
Near Austerlitz on 2 December 1805, Napoleon decisively defeated the armies of Alexander I, czar of Russia, and of Francis II, emperor of Austria.
Napoleon I Bonaparte later adopted French soldier and statesman Eugène de Beauharnais, son of Josephine, as viceroy and then heir apparent to the throne of Italy in 1806.
A mother bore Charles Louis Napoleon III Bonaparte, a nephew of Napoleon I Bonaparte, in 1808.
Trained in mainland as an artillery officer, he rose to prominence as a general of the revolution and led several successes against the arrayed coalitions. In late 1799, Napoleon staged a coup d'état and installed for five years. In the decade of the 19th century, he turned the armies and dominated almost everyone through extensive alliance systems and a lengthy streak of major victories, epitomized through battles, such as Austerlitz and Friedland. He appointed close friends and several members of his family as monarchs and important government figures of dominated states.
Napoleon developed relatively few innovations, although virtually all large modern armies accept his doctrines that placed artillery into batteries and elevated the corps as the standard unit. From a variety of sources, he drew his best tactics, and he scored several major victories with a modernized army. Academies over the world study this widely regarded greatest commander of history. Aside from achievements, people also remember Napoleon for the establishment that laid the bureaucratic foundations for the modern state.
This leader significantly affected modern history. He, a general during the revolution, ruled as premier of the republic, mediator of the Swiss confederation, and protector of the confederation of the Rhine.
The invasion marked a turning point in fortunes of Napoleon. The wrecked grand army never recovered its previous strength. In October 1813, the sixth coalition at Leipzig then invaded. The coalition triumphed over Napoleon in April 1814. After less than a year, he returned and controlled the government in the hundred days prior to his final demise on 18 June 1815. Napoleon spent the six years under British supervision.
Josephine de Beauharnais wed Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1796 and from 1804 served as wife and empress of the French to 1809; her alleged infertility caused annulment of the marriage in 1810.
Near Austerlitz on 2 December 1805, Napoleon decisively defeated the armies of Alexander I, czar of Russia, and of Francis II, emperor of Austria.
Napoleon I Bonaparte later adopted French soldier and statesman Eugène de Beauharnais, son of Josephine, as viceroy and then heir apparent to the throne of Italy in 1806.
A mother bore Charles Louis Napoleon III Bonaparte, a nephew of Napoleon I Bonaparte, in 1808.
Trained in mainland as an artillery officer, he rose to prominence as a general of the revolution and led several successes against the arrayed coalitions. In late 1799, Napoleon staged a coup d'état and installed for five years. In the decade of the 19th century, he turned the armies and dominated almost everyone through extensive alliance systems and a lengthy streak of major victories, epitomized through battles, such as Austerlitz and Friedland. He appointed close friends and several members of his family as monarchs and important government figures of dominated states.
Napoleon developed relatively few innovations, although virtually all large modern armies accept his doctrines that placed artillery into batteries and elevated the corps as the standard unit. From a variety of sources, he drew his best tactics, and he scored several major victories with a modernized army. Academies over the world study this widely regarded greatest commander of history. Aside from achievements, people also remember Napoleon for the establishment that laid the bureaucratic foundations for the modern state.
This leader significantly affected modern history. He, a general during the revolution, ruled as premier of the republic, mediator of the Swiss confederation, and protector of the confederation of the Rhine.
The invasion marked a turning point in fortunes of Napoleon. The wrecked grand army never recovered its previous strength. In October 1813, the sixth coalition at Leipzig then invaded. The coalition triumphed over Napoleon in April 1814. After less than a year, he returned and controlled the government in the hundred days prior to his final demise on 18 June 1815. Napoleon spent the six years under British supervision.
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December 18, 2025
Content and Structure100 Quotes by Napoleon Bonaparte is a fascinating dive into the mind of one of history’s most enigmatic leaders. Though best known for his military genius and imperial ambitions, this collection presents Napoleon as a thinker—sharp, observant, and often startlingly insightful. Part of the Great Philosophers and Their Inspiring Thoughts series, the book functions both as a motivational reader and a compact window into the complex psyche of a man who shaped the course of European history.
The book is structured as a curated list of 100 quotes, each attributed to Napoleon, covering a range of themes such as:
Leadership and Power War and Strategy Human Nature and Society Ambition, Success, and LegacyThis clean and digestible layout makes it ideal for quick inspiration or deep contemplation, depending on how one chooses to approach the text.
Highlighted QuotesHere are several standout quotes from the collection that reflect Napoleon’s pragmatic brilliance and often paradoxical worldview:
“Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.”
“In politics, stupidity is not a handicap.”
“The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemy's.”
“History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.”
These statements are bold and polarizing, reflecting Napoleon’s self-assured, often cynical, grasp of power and perception. His words reveal a leader acutely aware of both the illusions and realities of control.
Language and AccessibilityThe quotes are rendered in modern, accessible English, which ensures their relevance to contemporary readers. Unlike heavily academic texts, this book doesn’t burden the reader with footnotes or historical commentary—both a strength and a weakness. While it makes the quotes approachable, some historical or philosophical context would have enriched the experience, particularly for readers less familiar with Napoleonic history.
Comparison to Similar WorksWhen placed alongside similar quote compilations, such as Sun Tzu’s The Art of War or Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, Napoleon’s statements are notably more combative and politically charged. Where Marcus Aurelius speaks from a place of stoic restraint, Napoleon projects ambition and ruthless clarity. This makes the book more provocative, albeit less meditative, than its philosophical peers.
Usefulness and AudienceThis collection will particularly appeal to:
Students of history, leadership, or military strategy Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking quotable insight Readers interested in political psychology or realpolitikIt’s well-suited as a bedside book for daily reflection or as a supplemental text for motivational speaking, writing, or teaching.
Final Verdict100 Quotes by Napoleon Bonaparte is a compelling, sharp-edged compilation that reveals a lot about the mind of a man who sought to command not just armies, but ideas. While the lack of context occasionally limits the depth of understanding, the sheer force and clarity of Napoleon’s language still resonate.
Rating: ★★★★☆
In conclusion, this book is a worthy read for anyone drawn to power, leadership, and the complex nature of human ambition. Napoleon’s voice is unmistakably commanding—still echoing with relevance two centuries later.
Displaying 1 of 1 review