Kiss the feet of Popes provided their hands are tied
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Respect religious leaders only when they lack political power.
- In plain terms
- Defer to popes only if they cannot hurt you.
- What can you take from it?
- Show respect when power is limited.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should respect be unconditional?
- How much deference do leaders deserve?
Another view
This ignores moral obligations regardless of power.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
Immortality is the best recollection one leaves.
Permalink to quote #26 Malice delights to blacken the characters of prominent men.
Permalink to quote #28 Among so many conflicting ideas an so many different perspectives, the honest man is confused and distressed and the skeptic becomes wicked ... Since one must …
Permalink to quote #25
Related quotes
Ces deux moities de Dieu, le pape et l'empereur!
Victor HugoVictor Hugo quote #1 If you aim at a Scottish presbytery, it agreeth as well with monarchy, as God and the devil. ... No bishop, no King!
James I of EnglandJames I of England quote #1 Oh, happy kings, Whose thrones are raised in their subjects' hearts.
John (dramatist) FordJohn (dramatist) Ford quote #2