“History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.”
This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte highlights the subjective nature of history. It suggests that history is not an absolute record of past events, but rather a collective agreement or interpretation shaped by those who recount it. This implies that history can be influenced by bias, perspective, and power dynamics, as different groups may emphasize or omit certain facts to serve their own narratives. Napoleon’s statement encourages critical thinking about the sources and motives behind historical accounts, reminding us that what is often accepted as "truth" may be a construction rather than an objective reality.
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.”
“From triumph to downfall there is but one step. I have noted that, in the most momentous occasions, mere nothings have always decided the outcome of the greatest events.”
“If we could read the past histories of all our enemies we would disregard all hostility for them.”
“In politics nothing is immutable. Events carry within them an invincible power. The unwise destroy themselves in resistance. The skillful accept events, take strong hold of them and direct them.”
“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him.”
“History is written by the winners.”