Soldiers Quote by Napoleon Bonaparte
““It is not that addresses at the opening of a battle make the soldiers brave. The old veterans scarcely hear them, and recruits forget them at the first boom of the cannon. Their usefulness lies in their effect on the course of the campaign, in neutralizing rumors and false reports, in maintaining a good spirit in the camp, and in furnishing matter for camp-fire talk. The printed order of the day should fulfill these different ends.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Instructions to troops, 1809, France
Napoleon stresses that printed orders boost morale, counter rumors, and give soldiers talking points, beyond just commanding bravery
In simple terms: Printed orders sustain morale and shape narrative
Key Takeaway
Use clear written directives to maintain morale and manage information
Themes
leadership
communication
morale
information control
psychology
Mood
determined
pragmatic
Type
instructional
strategic
When to use this quote
- battlefield
- camp life
- military briefings
- training sessions
Key Concepts
Military strategy
propaganda
group cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance written orders with personal engagement?
- What risks arise if soldiers rely solely on printed directives?
A Different Perspective
Orders cannot replace genuine leadership or address deeper grievances
