Century Quote by Eric Hobsbawm
![“He[Napoleon] had destroyed only one thing: the Jacobin Revolution, the dream of equality, liberty and fraternity, and of the people rising in its majesty to shake off oppression. It was a more powerful myth than his, for after his fall it was this, and not his memory, which inspired the…” quote by Eric Hobsbawm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dfd/eric-hobsbawm-20660_century_he-napoleon-had-destroyed-only-one-thing_1313226.jpg)
“He[Napoleon] had destroyed only one thing: the Jacobin Revolution, the dream of equality, liberty and fraternity, and of the people rising in its majesty to shake off oppression. It was a more powerful myth than his, for after his fall it was this, and not his memory, which inspired the revolutions of the nineteenth century, even in his own country.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Revolution, 1789‑1848, 1962
Napoleon’s myth eclipsed the Jacobin ideals, becoming a rallying symbol for later revolutions.
In simple terms: Napoleon’s story replaced earlier revolutionary dreams.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how narratives shape historical memory.
Themes
history
mythmaking
revolution
legacy
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- political discourse
- national identity formation
Key Concepts
collective memory
symbolic power
ideological shifts
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern myths replace historical ideals?
- How do symbols influence contemporary movements?
A Different Perspective
Myths can distort original ideals, leading to new interpretations.
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