"The herd seek out the great, not for their sake but for their influence; and the great welcome them out of vanity or need"
- Napoleon Bonaparte
About this Quote
This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte speaks with the power characteristics between the fantastic and the herd. The herd, or the masses, seek out the terrific, not since they appreciate them, but because they want to gain from their influence. The great, on the other hand, welcome the herd out of vanity or requirement. This could suggest that the excellent are seeking recognition from the herd, or that they require the herd to help them achieve their goals. This quote talks to the concept that the excellent need the herd to help them preserve their power, while the herd need the fantastic to help them accomplish their goals. It is a reminder that power dynamics are constantly at play, which those in power count on those without it to preserve their status.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"