“To do all that one is able to do, is to be a man; to do all that one would like to do, would be to be a god.”

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Meaning

The quote contrasts human limits with ideal ambition. It suggests that being truly human means doing as much as one can, while wanting to do everything one desires goes beyond human ability. The second half uses “god” to describe an impossible level of power or freedom.

When It Was Said

1916

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

Not documented yet.

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Listed on Napoleon’s Wikiquote page without a cited source, so it is attributed rather than verified.

Did You Know?

Not documented yet.

About Napoleon

Napoleon is quoted here; further biographical details are not publicly available.

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