Quote from Napoleon

[LwyrFirat]

'England is a nation of shopkeepers'

When I was surfing on the net today, I came across this quotation from Napoleon. As it is from a French leader to England, at first I thought it might have negative meaning. But what is wrong with being a shopkeeper. If it’s the opposite, if it’s for complimenting, what is important for being shopkeeper? Could someone explain to me please? Thanks in advance

[Anglika]

In Napoleon's day, shopkeepers were not socially acceptable people. He is being rude by suggesting that the English could not successfully fight a war because they are too interested in making money and did not therefore have the martial spirit.

There is an interesting background to the saying: A nation of shopkeepers

[BobK]

A related quote (although Oscar Wilde didn't mention shopkeepers) is

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Picture of Dorian Gray

I think Napoleon was accusing the British of being similarly penny-pinching and short-sighted.

b

[nyggus]

Picture of Dorian Gray

A great book, by the way.