Micro,
I was watching a multi-hour biographical documentary on the Napolean, probably 12-15 years ago, when I saw that quote. I recall, it shocked and infuriated me. How DARE he say such a thing. Of course, he doubtless said or wrote in French, so it may have lost some nuance.
As I said, it originally infuriated me. Through time, however, I have come to realize he was just stating a simple truth humanity demonstrates every day of every year in every country. That's what history shows, again and again and again and again, without a doubt. It still takes a strong stomach to digest its implications, however.
And the reality of that sad truth actually predates Napoleon to, an earlier Frenchman, Etienne de la Boétie, and his 1576 masterpiece of philosophy: The Discourse on Voluntary Servitude:
https://oll.libertyfund.org/title/kurz-the-discourse-of-voluntary-servitude
When HG Wells wrote "The Time Traveller", many years later, he described the distant future where mankind had split into two distinct races: Eloi and Morlocks. The overwhelming need the vast majority of people have to kneel is seen throughout all human history.
So, yes, I believe it is an accurate quote. Most sickeningly of all, I believe it is true. Lord, I wish it wasn't.
I have come to realize that men are not born to be free. Liberty is a need felt by a small class of people whom nature has endowed with nobler minds than the mass of men. -Napoleon
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