Who said “The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.”?

Verified

Napoleon Bonaparte. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceNapoleon : In His Own Words (1916)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916).

APA

Bonaparte, N. (n.d.). The best way to keep one's word is not to give it. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34674-the-best-way-to-keep-ones-word-is/

MLA

Bonaparte, Napoleon. “The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34674-the-best-way-to-keep-ones-word-is/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Bonaparte, Napoleon. “The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34674-the-best-way-to-keep-ones-word-is/.