His lips were often heard to utter the grievous maxim--all the more grievous because he personally knew its truth--"There are two levers by which men are moved, fear and self-interest." With such opinions Bonaparte did not, in fact, believe in friendship.
"How often," said Bourrienne, "has he said to me, 'Friendship is only a word; I love no one, not even my brothers--Joseph a little possibly; but if I love him it is only from habit, and because he is my elder.

Duroc, yes, I love him; but why?
Because his character pleases me; because he is stern, cold, resolute; besides, Duroc never sheds a tear.

But why should I love any one?
Do you think I have any true friends?
As long as I am what I am, I shall have friends--apparently at least; but when my luck ceases, you'll see! Trees don't have leaves in winter.

I tell you, Bourrienne, we must leave whimpering to the women, it's their business; as for me, no feelings.

I need a vigorous hand and a stout heart; if not, better let war and government alone.'" In his familiar intercourse, Bonaparte was what schoolboys call a tease; but his teasings were never spiteful, and seldom unkind.