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About this quote

What does it mean?
Do not start wars for empty glory or the temptation of taking over others.
In plain terms
Avoid fighting just for pride or the urge to conquer.
What can you take from it?
Choose peace over empty ambition.

Where it applies

  • political leadership
  • military strategy
  • diplomacy

Putting it to work

  • evaluate war reasons
  • reject imperial goals
  • prioritize stability

Questions to consider

  • What makes a cause worth fighting for?
  • How do you spot vain prospects?

Another view

Sometimes defense requires arms even without grand prospects.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. We must not obstinately contend against circumstances, but rather let us obey them. We have many projects in life but little determination.

    Permalink to quote #198
  2. We must take things as we find them, and not as we wish them to be.

    Permalink to quote #200
  3. We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.

    Permalink to quote #197

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