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About this quote

What does it mean?
Avoid minor conflicts that can escalate into major wars.
In plain terms
Do not start small fights that could turn into big ones.
What can you take from it?
Prevent small disputes from growing into conflicts.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • workplace disputes
  • neighborhood conflicts

Putting it to work

  • de-escalation
  • diplomatic communication

Questions to consider

  • When should you draw a line?
  • How do small sparks start wars?

Another view

Sometimes confrontation is necessary to stop aggression.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. If the whole world was a state, Istanbul would be the capital of it.

    Permalink to quote #108
  2. If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.

    Permalink to quote #110
  3. If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.

    Permalink to quote #107

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