"In order to govern, the question is..." - Quote by Napoleon Bonaparte
In order to govern, the question is not to follow out a more or less valid theory but to build with whatever materials are at hand. The inevitable must be accepted and turned to advantage.
More by Napoleon Bonaparte
“Read over and over again the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, Gustavus, Turenne, Eugene and Frederic. ... This is the only way to become a great general and master the secrets of the art of war.”
“I engage and after that I see what to do.”
“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.”
More on Governance
“In the last analysis, one must be a military man in order to govern. It is only with boot and spurs that one can govern a horse.”
“The one who rules like the mother lasts long.”
“I am entirely persuaded that the agitations of the public mind advance its powers, and that at every vibration between the points of liberty and despotism, something will be gained for the former. As men become better informed, their rulers must respect them the more.”