Skip to content

War is a lottery in which nations ought to risk nothing…

“War is a lottery in which nations ought to risk nothing but small amounts.” quote by Napoleon Bonaparte
Download Open image
“War is a lottery in which nations ought to risk nothing but small amounts.”

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.

War is portrayed as a gamble where nations should only risk minimal resources.

In simple terms: War should involve minimal risk.

Key Takeaway

Limit war to small stakes.

Themes

war risk politics

Mood

cautious critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military planning
  • budgeting
  • policy debates
  • international negotiations

Key Concepts

probability deterrence strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is any conflict truly low‑risk?
  • How do we define “small amounts”?
A Different Perspective

Even small risks can have large consequences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Napoleon Bonaparte

Explore all 914 Napoleon Bonaparte quotes

More Amount quotes

Browse all 4,202 Amount quotes