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It follows that any commander in chief who undertakes to…

“It follows that any commander in chief who undertakes to carry out a plan which he considers defective is at fault; he must put forth his reasons, insist on the plan being changed, and finally tender his resignation rather than be the instrument of h” quote by Napoleon Bonaparte
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“It follows that any commander in chief who undertakes to carry out a plan which he considers defective is at fault; he must put forth his reasons, insist on the plan being changed, and finally tender his resignation rather than be the instrument of h”

Napoleon Bonaparte

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A commander who sees a plan as flawed must argue for change and resign rather than execute it.

In simple terms: Leaders should not follow bad plans; they must speak up or step down.

Key Takeaway

Speak up or step aside when a plan is wrong.

Themes

leadership integrity decision‑making

Mood

determined serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military planning
  • corporate governance
  • political leadership

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility strategic assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you faced a plan you believed was defective?
  • How can you voice concerns without jeopardizing your position?
A Different Perspective

Resignation may be seen as failure rather than principle.

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