Introduction: Napoleon Bonaparte: 7 Lessons From a Despot
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 – 1821), envisioned a European Union. However, he tried to realize this dream by using force and domination, which aren’t sustainable strategies. Napoleon was very ambitious and loved power. Throughout his military career, he suffered many defeats and enjoyed many victories. He knew how to get up each time he fell, until he was exiled to Saint Helena where he died in 1821. During his life, he rose from obscurity to Emperor of France. While Napoleon was in exile he wrote his memoir.
Have you read?
Review of Bunker Bean by Harry Leon
7 Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte a Despot
- Persist: For most of Napoleon’s career, whenever he failed, he always managed to rise again.
- Form alliances: Napoleon formed alliances that suited his causes, but when you form these alliances make sure that every member is benefiting from the deal.
- Stand firm with those who have always supported you: This is opposite of what Napoleon did, he deserted those who stood by him when the going got tough. He divorced Josephine when she couldn’t have his children. And he deserted his troops on several occasions to save himself.
- Stand out from the crowd: What are you really good at? In what area do excel? Napoleon distinguished himself as an artillery officer, and continued to distinguish himself in the military until he was a general.
- Leave a legacy: Though Napoleon performed a lot of evil acts such as firing a canon into the crowds who opposed him, kept control by using a secret police and a network of spies, no one is ever all bad or all good. He “improved education, encouraged industry, reduced the national debt, and codified the law”, even if it was the Code Napoleon.” What’s your legacy? Have you ever thought about it?
- Go for what you want: Napoleon knew how to go for, or should I say take what he wanted. Accomplished people do not wait to be given what they want, instead they negotiate, and develop strategies to get what they want and need. Being proactive also allow them to recognize opportunities. Napoleon wanted to unify Europe so he worked at getting what he wanted. He didn’t succeed, and his methods are questionable, but he tried, he didn’t sit back passively and wait for things to come to him.
- It doesn’t matter where you start in life: Napoleon rose from obscurity to become the Emperor of France. And there are countless others who started with little, yet attained spectacular success, and didn’t do so by trampling others. What’s your excuse?
Final Thoughts: Napoleon Bonaparte: 7 Lessons From a Despot
Do you think it's possible to learn from a despot? What are your thoughts on the seven lessons.
Books By/About Napoleon Bonaparte
