“In order to govern, the question is not to follow out a more or less valid theory but to build with whatever materials are at hand. The inevitable must be accepted and turned to advantage.”
- 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
Quote
“In order to govern, the question is not to follow out a more or less valid theory but to build with whatever materials are at hand. The inevitable must be accepted and turned to advantage.”
Explanation
In this statement, Napoleon Bonaparte emphasizes the practicality and flexibility needed in effective governance. Rather than strictly adhering to any particular ideology or theory, he argues that a leader must be willing to work with the realities and resources available. By “building with whatever materials are at hand,” Napoleon suggests that governing is about making the best of one’s circumstances, adapting to the present moment, and using existing conditions to one’s advantage. For Napoleon, successful leadership involves embracing the inevitable—the constraints, limitations, and challenges—and finding ways to turn them into opportunities.
This approach to leadership is especially relevant in complex and rapidly changing environments. While theories and ideals can guide decision-making, real-world situations often require adaptability and resourcefulness. For instance, political leaders facing economic crises may need to make decisions based on limited resources, prioritizing practical solutions over ideological purity. Similarly, business leaders must often pivot and innovate based on market conditions, working with what’s available to keep the organization moving forward.
Napoleon’s insight encourages us to focus on pragmatism and resilience in the face of challenges. It reminds leaders to value action over theory, to creatively work within their means, and to view constraints as possibilities for innovation. This approach reinforces the idea that effective governance, or any form of leadership, requires a mindset willing to accept and leverage reality, using each situation as an opportunity to build strength and progress.
