--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I cannot approve of your method of…" description: "\"I cannot approve of your method of operation, you proceed like a bewildered idiot, taking not the least notice of my orders.\" — Napoleon Bonaparte" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg" --- # I cannot approve of your method of operation, you proceed… ![“I cannot approve of your method of operation, you proceed like a bewildered idiot, taking not the least notice of my orders.” quote by Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg) > “I cannot approve of your method of operation, you proceed like a bewildered idiot, taking not the least notice of my orders.” [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. Criticizes disorganized execution and lack of respect for orders. **In simple terms:** Disorder and disrespect hinder success. Key Takeaway Demand clarity and obedience. Themes leadership discipline order Mood assertive critical Type strategic authoritative When to use this quote - team management - project execution - military campaigns Key Concepts military strategy authority Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance order with innovation? - When is questioning orders necessary? A Different Perspective May stifle creativity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bewildered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bewildered/) [Idiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiot/) [Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) ## Related quotes > [“It must have been Josh. He's up there with the paintball bow," Michael called up to her. A what? How come I don't get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cindy-ray-hale/it-must-have-been-josh-he-s-up-there-with-the-paintball-bow-michael/) [Cindy Ray Hale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cindy-ray-hale/) > [Reform is the mission from which we shall not digress; it is an expression of belief and determination between us and our people. With…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hamad-bin-isa-al-khalifa/reform-is-the-mission-from-which-we-shall-not-digress-it-is-an/) [Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hamad-bin-isa-al-khalifa/) > [I had no inducement to proceed further into the interior. I had been sufficiently disappointed in the termination of this excursion, and the track…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-sturt/i-had-no-inducement-to-proceed-further-into-the-interior-i-had-been/) [Charles Sturt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-sturt/) > [I just have to proceed as usual. No matter what happens, nothing helps with the writing of the next book.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-mccourt/i-just-have-to-proceed-as-usual-no-matter-what-happens-nothing-helps/) [Frank McCourt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-mccourt/) > [Start with the impossible. Proceed calmly towards the improbable. No worry, there are at least five exits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-berrigan/start-with-the-impossible-proceed-calmly-towards-the-improbable-no/) [Daniel Berrigan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-berrigan/) > [Nature does not proceed by leaps and bounds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/nature-does-not-proceed-by-leaps-and-bounds/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Civilizations proceed from the heart rather than from the head.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/civilizations-proceed-from-the-heart-rather-than-from-the-head/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [To obtain what you want, you must proceed gradually. Do not try to rush things or be taken by enthusiasm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anurag-prakash-ray/to-obtain-what-you-want-you-must-proceed-gradually-do-not-try-to-rush/) [Anurag Prakash Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anurag-prakash-ray/) > [The legitimacy of coercive acts in a democracy arises from the process by which they are justified and by the degree to which we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ignatieff/the-legitimacy-of-coercive-acts-in-a-democracy-arises-from-the/) [Michael Ignatieff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ignatieff/) > [I received orders from Congress to proceed to Charleston in South Carolina, for the purpose of Co'operating with General Lincoln in the defense of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-whipple/i-received-orders-from-congress-to-proceed-to-charleston-in-south/) Abraham Whipple > [“And, like I said, proceed with caution , but fuck, man, whatever you do, for your sake and hers, just… fuckin’… proceed .”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristen-ashley/and-like-i-said-proceed-with-caution-but-fuck-man-whatever-you-do-for/) [Kristen Ashley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kristen-ashley/) > [It is better not to proceed at all than to proceed without purpose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/it-is-better-not-to-proceed-at-all-than-to-proceed-without-purpose/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [“A lot can be done with courage, than with years wasted on the search for perfection.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-bassey-johnson/a-lot-can-be-done-with-courage-than-with-years-wasted-on-the-search/) [Michael Bassey Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-bassey-johnson/) > [Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/practice-yourself-for-heaven-s-sake-in-little-things-and-then-proceed/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [Proceed calmly in life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-francis/proceed-calmly-in-life/) [Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-francis/) ## More by Napoleon Bonaparte > [He is almost a statesman. He lies well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/he-is-almost-a-statesman-he-lies-well/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [Men grow old quickly on the battlefield.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/men-grow-old-quickly-on-the-battlefield/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [The only victories which leave no regret are those which are gained over ignorance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/the-only-victories-which-leave-no-regret-are-those-which-are-gained/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/when-a-government-is-dependent-upon-bankers-for-money-they-and-not/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [In the eyes of empire builders men are not men but instruments.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/in-the-eyes-of-empire-builders-men-are-not-men-but-instruments/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [All becomes easy when we follow the current of opinion; it is the ruler of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/all-becomes-easy-when-we-follow-the-current-of-opinion-it-is-the/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [The bullet that will kill me is not yet cast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/the-bullet-that-will-kill-me-is-not-yet-cast/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [Anarchy is the stepping stone to absolute power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/anarchy-is-the-stepping-stone-to-absolute-power/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [A great reputation is a great noise, the more there is of it, and the further does it swell. Land, monuments, Nations, all fall,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/a-great-reputation-is-a-great-noise-the-more-there-is-of-it-and-the/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [Character is victory organized.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/character-is-victory-organized/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [Republican despotism is more fertile in acts of tyranny, because everyone has a hand in it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/republican-despotism-is-more-fertile-in-acts-of-tyranny-because/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [My decision to destroy the authority of the blacks in Saint Domingue (Haiti) is not so much based on considerations of commerce and money,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/my-decision-to-destroy-the-authority-of-the-blacks-in-saint-domingue/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [The army is the true nobility of our country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/the-army-is-the-true-nobility-of-our-country/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [There is only one favorable moment in war; talent consists in knowing how to seize it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/there-is-only-one-favorable-moment-in-war-talent-consists-in-knowing/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [A great reserve and severity of manners are necessary for the command of those who are older than ourselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/a-great-reserve-and-severity-of-manners-are-necessary-for-the-command/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) [Explore all 914 Napoleon Bonaparte quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) ## More Bewildered quotes > [We are puzzled and bewildered whenever we see suffering in this world because we have become accustomed to the mercy and the long-suffering of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/we-are-puzzled-and-bewildered-whenever-we-see-suffering-in-this-world/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/language-gradually-varies-and-with-it-fade-away-the-writings-of/) [Washington Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/washington-irving/) > [I've never been lost, but I've been a mite bewildered for a few days.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-boone/i-ve-never-been-lost-but-i-ve-been-a-mite-bewildered-for-a-few-days/) [Daniel Boone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-boone/) > [I admitted that I did not understand life. What I meant was that I am bewildered by human hearts and motivations, including my own.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-lock/i-admitted-that-i-did-not-understand-life-what-i-meant-was-that-i-am/) [Norman Lock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-lock/) > [She was the murderous mother who cut us to the bone but left us alive, left us naked and bewildered as wrinkled newborn babies,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesmyn-ward/she-was-the-murderous-mother-who-cut-us-to-the-bone-but-left-us-alive/) [Jesmyn Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesmyn-ward/) > [“I didn't particularly feel like explaining myself to eighteen bewildered people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-a-thompson/i-didn-t-particularly-feel-like-explaining-myself-to-eighteen/) [Shannon A. Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-a-thompson/) > [Thus I began my systematic though half-bewildered tour of Innsmouth's narrow, shadow-blighted ways. Crossing the bridge and turning toward the roar of the lower…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-p-lovecraft/thus-i-began-my-systematic-though-half-bewildered-tour-of-innsmouth-s/) [H. P. Lovecraft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-p-lovecraft/) > [Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorenz-hart/bewitched-bothered-and-bewildered-am-i/) [Lorenz Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorenz-hart/) > [Guy Savelli's role in the War on Terror began when half-a-dozen strangers, within days of one another, contacted him via e-mail and telephone in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-ronson/guy-savelli-s-role-in-the-war-on-terror-began-when-half-a-dozen/) [Jon Ronson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-ronson/) > [Some people are attracted to sickness, to the kind of madness where sparks fly off the head, to the incoherence of despair, masked by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luke-davies/some-people-are-attracted-to-sickness-to-the-kind-of-madness-where/) [Luke Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luke-davies/) > [Why are we reading if not in hope that the writer will magnify and dramatize our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-dillard/why-are-we-reading-if-not-in-hope-that-the-writer-will-magnify-and/) [Annie Dillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-dillard/) > [Sometimes tears roll down from our eyes not because we wanted to but because when our words can't explain the pain we feel then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/usman-ismaheel/sometimes-tears-roll-down-from-our-eyes-not-because-we-wanted-to-but/) [Usman Ismaheel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/usman-ismaheel/) > [“What this have we done?” asked Stanislaw in very bad English, honestly bewildered. “Curfew?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-brazytis/what-this-have-we-done-asked-stanislaw-in-very-bad-english-honestly/) [Sarah Brazytis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-brazytis/) > [I am bewildered at the length to which people will go to portray me so negatively,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-jackson/i-am-bewildered-at-the-length-to-which-people-will-go-to-portray-me/) [Michael Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-jackson/) > [I was sad to leave Europe in 1890, after my student days in Germany... But then, once back in New York, I experienced an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-stieglitz/i-was-sad-to-leave-europe-in-1890-after-my-student-days-in-germany/) [Alfred Stieglitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-stieglitz/) [Browse all 141 Bewildered quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bewildered/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I cannot approve of your method of operation, you proceed like a bewildered idiot, taking not the least notice of my orders.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Napoleon Bonaparte" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-operation-you-proceed-like-a/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bewildered" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-operation-you-proceed-like-a/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/57e/napoleon-bonaparte-206_bewildered_i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-opera_917153.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I cannot approve of your method of operation, you proceed like a bewildered idiot, taking not the least…” — Napoleon Bonaparte", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Napoleon Bonaparte", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I cannot approve of your method...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-operation-you-proceed-like-a/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/i-cannot-approve-of-your-method-of-operation-you-proceed-like-a/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```