“Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me.”
- 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
“Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me.”
Explanation
In this statement, Napoleon Bonaparte describes his relationship with power as a passionate and personal pursuit, likening power to a “mistress” he has tirelessly pursued. His words reflect the intensity of his ambition and the sacrifices he made to attain and maintain authority. By characterizing power as something he has “conquered,” Napoleon suggests that his rise was hard-won, the result of relentless effort and commitment. His statement reveals a fierce determination to protect his hard-earned position, emphasizing his refusal to relinquish it easily after all he has invested in achieving it.
This sentiment speaks to the powerful grip that ambition and authority can have on those who rise to positions of influence. For Napoleon, who devoted his life to military and political conquest, power was not just a means to an end but a deeply personal pursuit tied to his sense of identity and purpose. Many leaders, once they attain a certain level of control, may feel similarly possessive and protective of their power, unwilling to let go of the influence they have worked so hard to achieve.
Napoleon’s words serve as a reminder of the intensity and potential pitfalls of ambition. While determination and drive can lead to great accomplishments, an unwavering hold on power can also become all-consuming, leading to conflicts, resistance, and the inability to adapt or step aside when necessary. His statement highlights both the allure and the dangers of power, encouraging reflection on the balance between ambition and the wisdom to recognize when to let go for the sake of oneself and others.
