Who said: "If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing"?

The quote provided is by French Emperor and General Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). Scholars, historians, leaders, and others tell us that the quote is a statement which takes a cynical position. Napoleon in his day and politicians (CEOs) in 2020 tell us what they want us (groups) to hear. Current leaders make false promises they don't intend to keep. This is exactly what Bonaparte did. He promised to change Europe and got people to follow him. He was, in fact, no better than King Louis XVI, the man he opposed. He knew that he wasn't going to keep most of his promises; he just made them to gain more power.

Experts on human behavior say: “If those in power tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the 'State' can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It becomes vitally important for the 'State' to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the greatest enemy of the 'State' is the truth.”

Bonaparte (August 1769 – May 1821), who rose to prominence in the French Revolution, became the ruler of France as First Consul of the French Republic in November 1799 - May 1804. Later, he was Emperor of France and King of Italy under the name Napoleon I (May 1804 - April 1814) and also from March - June 1815. He died in exile on the island of Saint Helena.