Napoleon's Famous 'Let Him Sleep' Quote: Explained

The quote, Let him sleep, for when he wakes, he will move mountains is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who is said to have made the statement in reference to China as a sleeping giant. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and some historians argue that Napoleon never made this statement. The quote has been used in various forms, including in reference to China's growing influence and power, and as a playful comment on an active child's potential for mischief.

The quote is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte

The quote, "China? There lies a sleeping giant. Let him sleep! For when he wakes, he will move the world," is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The quote is not found in any of his recorded speeches or writings, and historians have cast doubt on its attribution to Napoleon.

The earliest known attribution of the quote to Napoleon was made in 1888 and 1893, many years after his death. The 1888 book mentions, "Napoleon said that whoever moved China would move the world," while the 1893 book states, "It is said that Napoleon once remarked in regard to China: There lies a sleeping giant. Let him sleep." These early attributions do not provide specific contexts or sources, and it is unclear if they are based on reliable historical evidence.

Some speculate that Napoleon made this statement to Lord William Amherst during their meeting in 1817. Amherst had recently returned from a diplomatic visit to China and met with Napoleon on St. Helena. While there is documentation of their discussions about China, no firsthand accounts by Amherst or his companions explicitly mention the "sleeping giant" quote. The absence of direct evidence suggests that the attribution may be based on speculation or secondhand accounts.

Napoleon specialist and Fondation Napoléon historian Peter Hicks declares that Napoleon never made the specific statement attributed to him about China being a "sleeping giant." Australian National University historian John Fitzgerald also expresses skepticism, stating that Napoleon likely never uttered the words attributed to him.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the quote has been widely associated with Napoleon and has appeared in various cultural works, including the 1963 film "55 Days at Peking" and the 2018 film "Crazy Rich Asians." The enduring connection between the quote and Napoleon may be due to the perceived significance of his historical figure, adding a sense of authority and credibility to the statement.

It's disputed whether Napoleon ever said it

It is disputed whether Napoleon ever said, "Let him sleep, for when he wakes, he will move mountains." While some sources attribute the quote to Napoleon, others suggest that it may have been said by someone else or that it is a misattribution.

One theory suggests that the quote may have originated from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of Napoleon's words.

The quote may have originated from a 1963 film

The quote, "Let him sleep for when he wakes [something will happen]", is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. However, there is no solid evidence to support this claim. The quote is often labelled as "attributed" to Napoleon or presented with a disclaimer that he may not have said it. Napoleon specialist and Fondation Napoléon historian Peter Hicks, for instance, declares that Napoleon never said, "Laissons la Chine dormir, car quand elle se réveillera, le monde tremblera" ("Let China sleep, for when she awakes, the world will tremble").

The quote may have originated from the 1963 film "55 Days at Peking", starring Elizabeth Sellars and David Niven. In the film, Niven, who plays the British ambassador in China during the Boxer Rebellion (1900), quotes the now-famous phrase in response to a question from Sellars' character about what Napoleon said about China. The screenplay was written by Bernard Gordon, and the quote does not appear in the 1963 book by Noel Gerson (written under the pseudonym Samuel Edwards) that the film was based on.

The idea that China might wake up and cause the world to react has been a concept since at least 1877, and possibly earlier. While it is possible that Napoleon drew this conclusion 60 years earlier, it is not proven. The quote may have been inspired by Napoleon's 'Hun' remarks from November 6, 1816, and it is possible that the Marquis was referring to these when attributing the quote to Napoleon.

The quote has been used in reference to China's power

The quote, "Let him sleep for when he wakes, he will move the world", is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who allegedly made the statement in reference to China in 1803 or during a visit by Lord Amherst in 1817. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The quote is said to have been inspired by Lord Macartney's account of his trip to China in 1793.

The phrase has been used in popular culture and media, such as the 1963 film "55 Days at Peking", where the British Ambassador Sir Arthur Robinson says, "Let China sleep. For when she wakes, the world will tremble". The quote has also appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1958 and as an epigraph in the book "China Wakes" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

In recent years, the quote has taken on a more concerning tone, with reports of human rights abuses, forced sterilizations, and mass incarcerations of ethnic and religious minorities in China. The "let him sleep" phrase has been used to highlight the troubling reality of the country's actions, particularly in the northwestern Xinjiang region, where mostly Muslim minorities are detained in re-education camps.

The international community, including the British Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, has expressed concern over the human rights situation in China, calling for accountability and coordinated responses to address these issues. The quote, originally attributed to Napoleon, has thus taken on a new significance as the world grapples with the implications of China's growing power and influence.

The quote has been adapted for parents and their children

The quote, "Let him sleep, for when he wakes, he will move the world," is often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who is said to have made the remark in reference to China as a "sleeping giant." However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and some historians argue that Napoleon never made this statement.

When applied to parenthood, the quote takes on a heartwarming tone, acknowledging the boundless energy and potential that children possess. It serves as a reminder to parents that their children are capable of achieving great things and making a positive impact on the world. By letting their children sleep, parents recognize the importance of rest in preparing their little ones to take on the world.

This adapted quote also celebrates the unique and adventurous spirit of each child. Just as the original quote highlights the power of a sleeping giant, the adapted version acknowledges that every child has their own mountains to move, climb, and even paint with their imagination. It embraces the playful chaos that children bring into our lives, from their active explorations to their loving hugs and kisses.

In embracing the quote's adaptation, parents can find joy and purpose in their children's energetic nature, knowing that their little ones will not only move mountains but also explore and create their own paths. It is a reminder that, even in the midst of the chaos and challenges of parenthood, the love and meaning that children bring to our lives are truly invaluable.

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