What is a throne? - a bit of wood gilded and covered in velvet. I am the state- I alone am here the representative of the people. Even if I had done wrong you should not have reproached me in public-people wash their dirty linen at home. France has more need of me than I of France.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Napoleon mocks the throne as a fancy wooden seat and claims he alone represents people.
- In plain terms
- A throne is just a fancy seat; he is the sole representative.
- What can you take from it?
- Power symbols can be superficial; authority rests on representation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a ruler legitimate?
- How do symbols affect governance?
Another view
The view is self‑serving and dismisses institutional checks.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
'Impossible' n'est pas francais.
Permalink to quote #7 France is invaded; I am leaving to take command of my troops, and, with God's help and their valor, I hope soon to drive the enemy beyond the frontier.
Permalink to quote #9 From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step.
Permalink to quote #6
Related quotes
Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.
Lloyd BentsenLloyd Bentsen quote #1 The conservation movement is a breeding ground of Communists and other subversives. We intend to clean them out, even if it means rounding up every bird watche…
John MitchellJohn Mitchell quote #1 Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third - ['Treason!' cried the Speaker] - may profit by their example. If this be treason,…
Patrick HenryPatrick Henry quote #1