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About this quote

What does it mean?
Force alone cannot win loyalty; people will resist direct oppression.
In plain terms
People will not tolerate direct violence or oppression forever.
What can you take from it?
Coercion fails without genuine support.

Where it applies

  • occupying territory
  • enforcing rules
  • suppressing dissent

Putting it to work

  • building consent
  • avoiding tyranny

Questions to consider

  • What happens when force meets will?
  • Is consent necessary for rule?

Another view

History shows force often succeeds temporarily.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. The only victory over love is flight.

    Permalink to quote #169

  2. The people to fear are not those who disagree with you, but those who disagree with you and are too cowardly to let you know.

    Permalink to quote #171

  3. The only victories which leave no regret are those which are gained over ignorance.

    Permalink to quote #168

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