Napoléon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a French military general who rose to prominence in the French Revolution, becoming the ruler of France as First Consul of the French Republic (11 November 1799 - 18 May 1804), and then Emperor of the French and King of Italy under the name Napoleon I (18 May 1804 - 6 April 1814, and again briefly from 20 March - 22 June 1815). He died in exile on the island of Saint Helena.

My waking thoughts are all of thee...

The barbarous custom of having men beaten who are suspected of having important secrets to reveal must be abolished.

From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step.

What is a throne? — a bit of wood gilded and covered in velvet. I am the state...

France is invaded; I am leaving to take command of my troops, and, with God 's help and their valor, I hope soon to drive the enemy beyond the frontier.

I generally had to give in.

I never was truly my own master but was always ruled by circumstances.