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About this quote

What does it mean?
Force may dominate temporarily but ideas and beliefs endure.
In plain terms
Ideas beat force.
What can you take from it?
Beliefs outlast weapons.

Where it applies

  • revolutions
  • conquest
  • social change

Putting it to work

  • promote values
  • resist force
  • build trust

Questions to consider

  • What wins in the end?
  • Is force ever justified?

Another view

Force often wins in the short term.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. There are calumnies against which even innocence loses courage.

    Permalink to quote #179
  2. There is neither subordination, nor fear in empty bellies.

    Permalink to quote #181
  3. The woman we love is ever the prettiest of her sex.

    Permalink to quote #178

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