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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author claims his unique contribution saved and revitalized a major historical event, leaving a lasting legacy of ideas.
In plain terms
I did something special that saved our revolution and gave us a good name.
What can you take from it?
Unique leadership can redefine a movement's legacy.

Where it applies

  • post-revolution reconstruction
  • political consolidation
  • nation building

Putting it to work

  • documenting achievements
  • promoting reforms
  • unifying citizens

Questions to consider

  • How do leaders measure their own success?
  • What defines a lasting legacy?

Another view

Self-assessment of historical impact is often biased and exaggerated.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. Stupidity is not a handicap in politics.

    Permalink to quote #151
  2. Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.

    Permalink to quote #153
  3. Strategy is the art of making use of time and space. I am less concerned about the latter than the former. Space we can recover, lost time never.

    Permalink to quote #150

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