Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.
¶ (Attributed)
Quotations by ...
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) French emperor
Rascality has limits; stupidity has not.
¶ (Attributed)
What is history but a fable agreed upon?
¶ Memoirs of Napoleon by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne (1829-1831)
Also attrib. to Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle in Mélanges de Littérature (1804)
In war, three quarters turns on personal character and relations; the balance of manpower and materials counts only for the remaining quarter.
¶ Observations sur les affaires d'Espagne (27 Aug 1808)
Also translated:
"In war, moral considerations make up three-quarters of the game; the relative balance of manpower accounts only for the remaining quarter."
"Even in war moral power is to physical as three parts out of four."
“Morale is to material as is the ratio of three to one.”
It is only a step from victory to disaster. My experience is that, in a crisis, some detail always decides the issue.
¶ Letter to Tallyrand (7-Oct-1797)
Napoleon's Letters, tr. J. M. Thompson, 1934
He who fears losing his reputation is sure to lose it.
¶ Letter to the Executive Directory (16 Apr. 1797)
The Bonaparte Letters and Despatches, Vol II (1846), p. 299 "The Third Plan": "But he who fears to lose his glory is sure to lose it."
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WIST is my collection of quotations I find meaningful, moving, amusing (intended or not), well-phrased, and/or to which I just say I "Wish I'd Said That." But just because I quote it here doesn't mean I actually agree with it. If you have any comments, corrections, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to
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