"Unhappy the general who comes on the field of battle with a system."

Napoleon I of France Politics See all quotes by Napoleon I of France →

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More by Napoleon I of France

“A constitution should be framed so as not to impede the action of government, nor force the government to its violation.”

“The superior man is never in anyone's way.”

“Obedience to public authority ought not to be based either on ignorance or stupidity.”

“Never march by flank in front of an army in position. This principle is absolute.”

“Tristan is very idle. He confessed to the Emperor that he did not work every day. "Do you not eat every day?" said the Emperor to him; "Yes, Sire." "Well, then, you ought to work every day; no one should eat who does not work." "Oh! if that be the case, I will work every day," said the child, quickly. "Such is the influence of the belly," said the Emperor, tapping that of little Tristan. "It is hunger that makes the world move.”

“England will repent of bringing the Russians so far: they will deprive her of India.”

Resonant Thoughts

"he concentration of power in the hands of the few is common to all cultures... When a small group of people rules a society the political system is considered an oligarchy; when only money and wealth …"

— Ralph Nader

Politics1934

#politics

"People like me are paid outrageously high salaries to do the system's bidding. If we falter, a more malicious form of hit man, the jackal, steps to the plate. And if the jackal fails, then the job fal…"

— John Perkins

Literature1945–1545

#Human Nature

"With great wealth comes great pettiness."

— Paul Krugman

Economics1953

#humor

"I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so compa…"

— Henry David Thoreau

Literature1817–1862

#friendship