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Quotation from Napoleon's Maxims of War by Napoleon Bonaparte

“They will terminate in the adoption of the worst course, which in war is always the most timid, or, if you will, the most prudent. The only true wisdom in a general is determined courage”

Napoleon Bonaparte (spoken by Napoleon (as compiled by Burnod))

Napoleon's Maxims of War, Maxim LXV, trans. G. C. D'Aguilar from Burnod (1831; 1862 reprint)

Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon's verdict on councils of war; the note adds Prince Eugene's remark that they are useful only as an excuse for doing nothing.

Citation: "They will terminate in the adoption of the worst course, which in war is always the most timid, or, if you will, the most prudent. The only true wisdom in a general is determined courage" — Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon's Maxims of War, Maxim LXV, trans. G. C. D'Aguilar from Burnod (1831; 1862 reprint). (id napoleons-maxims-of-war-q6)

Portrait: The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries, Jacques-Louis David, Public domain.

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Quote card: They will terminate in the adoption of the worst course, which in war is always