Quotes from Napoleon Bonaparte

One bad general is worth two good ones.

The mind of a general ought to resemble and be as clear as the field-glass of a telescope.

Artillery is more essential to cavalry than to infantry, because cavalry has no fire for its defence, but depends on the sabre.

Good infantry is without doubt the sinews of an army; but if it has to fight a long time against very superior artillery, it will become demoralized and will be destroyed.

The fate of a Nation may sometimes depend upon the position of a fortress.

In war, the moral element and public opinion are half the battle.

I have destroyed the enemy merely by marches.

You do not get peace by shouting: Peace. Peace is a meaningless word; what we need is a glorious peace.

In war the simplest manoeuvres are the best.

In war, groping tactics, half-way measures, lose everything.

At the head of an army, nothing is more becoming than simplicity.

The object of war is victory, the object of victory is conquest, and the object of conquest is occupation.

The allies we gain by victory will turn against us upon the bare whisper of our defeat.

In war, character and opinion make more than half of the reality.

Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.

It is only by prudence, wisdom, and dexterity that great ends are attained and obstacles overcome. Without these qualities nothing succeeds.

True wisdom for a general is vigorous determination.

Medicine is a collection of uncertain prescriptions, the results of which, taken collectively, are more fatal than useful to mankind.

Medicines are only fit for old people.

Six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool.

To have a right estimate of a man's character, we must see him in misfortune.

The fool has one great advantage over a man of sense; he is always satisfied with himself.

Great men are meteors designed to burn so that earth may be lighted.

After making a mistake or suffering a misfortune, the man of genius always gets back on his feet.