Topic
13 facts from 2 episodes, in date order. These are what speakers said on the shows, each linked to the moment it was said. They aren't independently verified.
1250
Napoleon criticized a leader in Egypt in 1250 for spending eight months praying instead of marching, fighting and consolidating control.
“he spent eight months praying when he should have spent them marching, fighting and consolidating his hold over the country.”
1816
In 1816 Napoleon wrote to the British about George Washington, saying success had forced them to acknowledge him.
“writing in 1816 about his view of Washington and he's writing it to the British”
Undated
Napoleon is quoted as saying that great events hang by a single thread and that a clever man neglects nothing that could give him an added opportunity.
“All great events hang by a single thread. The clever man takes advantage of everything, neglects nothing that may give him some added opportunity.”
Undated
Napoleon had public works built in stages so that each stage was usable when finished.
“If, for instance, he ordered the construction of some public work, he would make sure that it was built in stages and that at the end of each stage it could be put to some use”
Undated
Napoleon dictated all important army bulletins himself to inform the public, counter rumors, mislead the enemy and stir up enthusiasm.
“Napoleon dictated all important army bulletins himself. Their purpose was multiple to inform the public to counter rumors to mislead the enemy or to stir up enthusiasm”
Undated
General Mack, commander of Austrian forces that had surrendered to Napoleon, discussed with him the march through Switzerland and the violation of Prussian neutrality.
“So he's having this conversation with this guy named General Mack, who is the commander of these Austrian forces that had just surrendered to Napoleon.”
Undated
Napoleon told General Mack that he had not recognized Swiss neutrality and so had a right to send troops through Switzerland.
“I had not recognized its neutrality. Consequently, I have a right to enter its territory.”
Undated
Napoleon addressed his soldiers as ill-fed and almost naked and promised to lead them to fertile plains, cities and rich provinces.
“Soldiers, you are ill fed and almost naked. The government owes you a great deal, but it can do nothing for you.”
Undated
Napoleon praised Frederick the Great as one who knew his business best, especially in moments of great crisis.
“Frederick was great above all at moments of great crisis. This is the highest praise that can be given.”
Undated
Napoleon singled out boldness as the common quality of the seven great generals he cited as examples.
“Boldness is the common quality singled out by Napoleon in the seven great generals whom he cites as examples”
Undated
Napoleon wrote that Alexander the Great believed himself a god and wanted others to believe it, and that ambition consumed him.
“Alexander believed himself a god. He and he wanted to make others believe it too.”
Undated
The book's editor uses Napoleon's dictation of twenty-one large sheets of instructions for Josephine's water-cure trip to show his inability to delegate trivial details.
“And then he dictated twenty one large sheets of paper.”
Undated
Napoleon argued that retreats cost more lives and material than the bloodiest battles.
“Retreats are always disastrous. They cost more lives and material than the bloodiest battles.”
Episodes