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About this quote

What does it mean?
Preparation and thought create the appearance of readiness.
In plain terms
I seem prepared because I think and plan long before acting.
What can you take from it?
Preparation creates the illusion of spontaneity.

Where it applies

  • business strategy
  • problem solving
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • plan ahead
  • anticipate outcomes
  • meditate on tasks

Questions to consider

  • How much should you plan?
  • Is preparation better than genius?

Another view

Sometimes spontaneity is more effective than planning.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. I was born and made for work.

    Permalink to quote #105
  2. If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.

    Permalink to quote #107
  3. In the world there are but two powers the sword and the mind, in the long run the latter always beats the former.

    Permalink to quote #104

Related quotes

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  2. That Germany beat these countries was due to better planning and not better preparedness.

    Erhard MilchErhard Milch quote #1
  3. Proper preparation prevents poor performance

    Charlie BatchCharlie Batch quote #1