Famous quote by Napoleon Bonaparte

Mobile Desktop
History is a set of lies agreed upon
Like

"History is a set of lies agreed upon"

- Napoleon Bonaparte

About this Quote

This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte suggests that history is not an unbiased truth, but rather a subjective story that is formed by the people who write it. He implies that history is not a precise representation of the past, but rather a version of occasions that has been agreed upon by those in power. This might be translated as a criticism of the way history is written, as it indicates that the reality is often distorted or overlooked in order to serve the interests of those in power. It also suggests that history is not a trustworthy source of info, as it undergoes control and bias. Ultimately, this quote serves as a pointer that history ought to be seen with an important eye, and that we should know the potential for bias and distortion when translating the past.

About the Author

Napoleon Bonaparte This quote is written / told by Napoleon Bonaparte between August 15, 1769 and May 5, 1821. He was a famous Leader from France. The author also have 82 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: The past actually happened but history is only what someone wrote down - A. Whitney Brown
"The past actually happened but history is only what someone wrote down"
A. Whitney Brown, Comedian
Small: History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon - Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte
"History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon"
Napoleon Bonaparte, Leader
Small: A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason if he possesses some knowledge of t
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
Walter Scott, Novelist
Small: We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies
Mangosuthu Buthelezi
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Leader
Small: It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins.
Benito Mussolini
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
Benito Mussolini, Politician
Small: We would like to live as we once lived, but history will not permit it - John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
"We would like to live as we once lived, but history will not permit it"
John F. Kennedy, President
Small: History takes time. History makes memory - Gertrude Stein
Gertrude Stein
"History takes time. History makes memory"
Gertrude Stein, Author
Small: The greatest honor history can bestow is that of peacemaker - Richard M. Nixon
Richard M. Nixon
"The greatest honor history can bestow is that of peacemaker"
Richard M. Nixon, President
Small: We live in an era with no historical precedents. History is no longer useful as a tool in helping us understan
Doug Coupland
"We live in an era with no historical precedents. History is no longer useful as a tool in helping us understand current changes"
Doug Coupland, Author
Small: But history is neither watchmaking nor cabinet construction. It is an endeavor toward better understanding - M
Marc Bloch
"But history is neither watchmaking nor cabinet construction. It is an endeavor toward better understanding"
Marc Bloch, Historian