Skip to content

Few are born bold. Even Napoleon had to cultivate the…

“Few are born bold. Even Napoleon had to cultivate the habit on the battlefield, where he knew it was a matter of life and death. In social settings he was awkward and timid, but he overcame this and practice boldness in every part of his life because he saw its tremendous power, how it could…” quote by Robert Greene
Download Open image
“Few are born bold. Even Napoleon had to cultivate the habit on the battlefield, where he knew it was a matter of life and death. In social settings he was awkward and timid, but he overcame this and practice boldness in every part of his life because he saw its tremendous power, how it could literally enlarge a man(even one who, like Napoleon, was in fact conspicuously small).”

Robert Greene

About This Quote

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

Boldness is a cultivated habit, essential for survival and success, even for historically powerful figures who felt insecure.

In simple terms: Boldness must be practiced to become powerful.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate boldness daily.

Themes

confidence power personal growth

Mood

determined reflective

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • public speaking
  • career advancement
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

psychology self‑discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice boldness safely?
  • When is caution more valuable than boldness?
A Different Perspective

Boldness can lead to reckless decisions if unchecked.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Robert Greene

Explore all 511 Robert Greene quotes

More Awkward quotes

Browse all 1,880 Awkward quotes