“If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing.”
- 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
“If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing.”
Explanation
In this statement, Napoleon Bonaparte offers a cynical perspective on success and reputation, suggesting that people who make grand promises without necessarily fulfilling them can often achieve worldly success. By “promising everything” and “delivering nothing,” he implies that perception and charisma can sometimes be more impactful than actual results. This approach plays on people’s tendency to be swayed by bold words and assurances rather than by concrete actions, as promises create an image of competence and ambition that can build influence, even if the follow-through is lacking.
This view is particularly relevant in the context of politics, sales, and public relations, where the power of persuasion and image can often take precedence over results. Some individuals or organizations may gain popularity or achieve success by projecting grand visions and ambitious plans, only to fall short in implementation. While this strategy might work in the short term, it can ultimately undermine trust and credibility if promises consistently go unfulfilled.
Napoleon’s statement serves as a cautionary insight about the pitfalls of overpromising. While bold promises can attract attention and generate momentum, genuine success and respect are built on integrity, reliability, and actual delivery. His perspective invites us to be discerning about promises and to value leaders and organizations that balance ambition with accountability. True success, in the long term, is more sustainable when based on honesty, substance, and a commitment to delivering on promises rather than on empty assurances.
