“The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue.”
- August 15, 1769 – May 5, 1821
- French of Italian descent
- French military officer and emperor
- Reorganized Europe after the French Revolution and built the foundations of the legal system in modern Europe
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Quote
“The first virtue in a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue.”
Explanation
In this statement, Napoleon Bonaparte emphasizes the importance of endurance as the foundation of a soldier’s character. While courage is often celebrated as the hallmark of heroism, Napoleon believed that the ability to endure fatigue, hardship, and long periods of physical and mental strain is even more crucial. Without endurance, a soldier’s courage could falter over time, especially during prolonged campaigns or in harsh conditions. Napoleon’s military campaigns were infamous for their intensity and duration, often demanding exceptional resilience from his troops.
This insight applies broadly beyond the battlefield. In professional and personal pursuits, perseverance and the ability to withstand challenges are essential for achieving long-term goals. For example, in business, it is not only the bold decisions that lead to success but also the sustained effort and resilience through setbacks, market fluctuations, and other obstacles. Similarly, athletes rely on endurance training to achieve peak performance over extended competitions, knowing that short bursts of courage alone are insufficient.
Napoleon’s wisdom here suggests that courage shines brightest when paired with the discipline and resilience that come from enduring hardship. For individuals facing long-term challenges—whether in careers, personal growth, or relationships—this focus on endurance serves as a reminder that lasting success often depends not just on moments of bravery, but on the strength to keep going through the hardest moments.
