Napoleon Bonaparte   

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 on the island of Corsica. Through his military exploits and his ruthless efficiency, Napoleon rose from obscurity to become the Emperor of France.

Napoleon decided on a military career when he was a child, winning a scholarship to a French military academy . His meteoric rise shocked not only France but all of Europe, and his military conquests threatened the stability of the world. Napoleon was one of the greatest military commanders in history.

As Emperor, Napoleon granted constitutions, introduced law codes, abolished feudalism, created efficient governments and fostered education, science, literature and the arts. After a long illness, suffering from cancer, he died May 5, 1821 and is entombed under the dome of the Invalides in Paris.

"Ability is of little account without opportunity."

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."

"Courage is like love; it must have hope to nourish it."

"Adversity is the midwife of genius."

"Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide."

"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."

"There is no place in a fanatic's head where reason can enter."

"Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent."

"A people which is able to say everything becomes able to do everything."

"Men are more easily governed through their vices than their virtues."

"The herd seek out the great, not for their sake but for their influence; and the great welcome them out of vanity or need."

"The stupid speak of the past, the wise of the present, and fools of the future."

"We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him."

"The best way to keep one's word is not to give it."

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."