Napoleon Bonaparte (August 15, 1769 – May 5, 1821) was the emperor of the French in the early 1800’s and is known as a military and political genius – considered to be one of if not the best military commander in history. Born in Corsica to a minor noble family, Napoleon rose from relative obscurity to the heights of power, becoming one of the most influential, controversial, and discussed figures in history. He ascended through the French military ranks during the French Revolution, becoming a general at age 24, orchestrating a coup overthrowing the French government and establishing himself as First Consul in 1799. After consolidating power, he declared himself Emperor on December 2, 1804. Napoleon conquered most of Europe and was finally defeated in 1815 by a coalition of countries.
Napoleon was the most feared military commander of the age and his armies conquered nearly all in their path. However, he is also known as a visionary reformer. He introduced the Napoleonic Code – a complete overhaul of France’s laws. While some portions of the Code were controversial, such as its treatment of women, the Code entrenched principles such as equality under the law, private property, and religious freedom. The Code remains influential in France to this day and was also exported to many other countries during Napoleon’s reign, influencing law for generations to come in many parts of the world.
It is said that there have been several hundred thousand books written about him since his death. Napoleon’s legacy is the subject of intense debate and there is no doubt that he was a complex figure that continues to influence the world today.
Napoleon Bonaparte Quotes
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”
“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.”
“Imagination governs the world.”
“Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action comes, stop thinking and go in.”
“The only victories which leave no regret are those which are gained over ignorance.”
“There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the mind.”
“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.”
“The torment of precautions often exceeds the dangers to be avoided. It is sometimes better to abandon one’s self to destiny.”
Napoleon Bonaparte Books
“Napoleon: A Life” – by Andrew Roberts
“Napoleon: A Concise Biography” – by David A. Bell
“The Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte, Vol. 1 of 2 (Forgotten Books)” – by Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne
“Napoleon’s Maxims of War” – by Napoleon Bonaparte, translated by Ceorge Charles D’Aguilar
“Napoleon On the Art of War” – by Jay Luvaas
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