Ability is of little account without opportunity.

— Napoleon

A cowardly act! What do I care about that? You may be sure that I should never fear to commit one if it were to my advantage.

— Napoleon

Alexander Caesar Charlemagne and I myself have founded empires but upon what do these creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love and to this very day millions would die for Him.

— Napoleon

A man's palate can in time become accustomed to anything.

— Napoleon

Do you know what is harder to bear than the reverses of fortune? It is the baseness the hideous ingratitude of man.

— Napoleon

Forethought we may have undoubtedly but not foresight.

— Napoleon

For the maintenance of peace nations should avoid the pin-pricks which forerun cannon-shots.

— Napoleon

Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.

— Napoleon

France always has plenty men of talent but it is always deficient in men of action and high character.

— Napoleon

Give me a man with a good allowance of nose ... when I want any good head-work done I choose a man - provided his education has been suitable - with a long nose.

— Napoleon