Napoleon Bonaparte

Attributed

• "A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights."

• "Ah, tenez, vous êtes de la merde dans un bas de soie."
  • Translation: "Ah, wait, you are shit in a silk stocking."
  • Note: Referring to Talleyrand, on 28 January 1809

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

• "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."

• "History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon."

• "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

• "Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."

• "Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."

• "Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent."

• "The best way to keep one's word is not to give it."

• "Un bon croquis vaut mieux qu'un long discours."
  • Translation: "A good sketch is better than a long speech."
  • Alternate translation: "A picture is worth a thousand words."