Quotes from Napoleon Bonaparte

He that makes war without many mistakes has not made war very long.

The basic principle that we must follow in directing the armies of the Republic is this: that they must feed themselves on war at the expense of the enemy territory.

Two armies are two bodies which meet and try to frighten each other.

It is cowardly to commit suicide. The English often kill themselves. It is a malady caused by the humid climate.

If you wage war, do it energetically and with severity. This is the only way to make it shorter and consequently less inhuman.

An army which cannot be regularly recruited is a doomed army.

It is the business of cavalry to follow up the victory, and to prevent the beaten army from rallying.

I base my calculation on the expectation that luck will be against me.

Against attempts on my life, I trust in my luck, my good genius, and my guards.

10 persons who speak make more noise than 10,000 who are silent.

A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.

This man Wellington is so stupid he does not know when he is beaten, and goes on fighting.

You may ask me for anything you like except time.

Time is one kind of robber whom the law does not strike at, and who steals what is most precious to men.

The torment of precautions often exceeds the dangers to be avoided. It is sometimes better to abandon one's self to destiny.

My downfall raises me to infinite heights.

The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.

Victory belongs to the most persevering.

The heart of a statesman should be in his head.

If they want peace, nations should avoid the pinpricks that precede cannon shots.

Riches do not consist in the possession of treasures, but in the use made of them.

If you start to take Vienna - take Vienna.

In time of revolution, with perseverance and courage, a soldier should think nothing impossible.

There are certain things in war of which the commander alone comprehends the importance. Nothing but his superior firmness and ability can subdue and surmount all difficulties.