[I don't] care a twopenny damn what [becomes] of the ashes of Napoleon Bonaparte.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker expresses total indifference to the remains of his rival.
- In plain terms
- I do not care what happens to Napoleon's ashes.
- What can you take from it?
- Dismiss rivalries after the end.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you stop caring about past enemies?
- What marks the end of a rivalry?
Another view
Indifference may overlook historical lessons.
More from Arthur Wellesley
I don't know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but by God, they terrify me.
Permalink to quote #29 'Tis of no matter, your Highness, I have seen their backs before.
Permalink to quote #31 They wanted this iron fist to command them.
Permalink to quote #28
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