Beth J Barrett

10 historical lessons from Napoleon Bonaparte's life that will make you a better man: I saw the new Napoleon movie trending the other day and thought this would make a useful post. Napoleon's influence still affects us today. But most people don't know much about his life. He's one of the most fascinating and polarizing figures in history. And fittingly, he also had some of the highest highs and lowest lows of any historical figure during his lifetime. Here are 10 historical anecdotes from his life that will make you better. 1. You have to think bigger Born into a relatively minor noble family on the island of Corsica, Napoleon rose all the way to become the Emperor of the French. His journey was catalyzed by an unending ambition that allowed him to overcome social constraints and reach the highest tiers of power. His crowning in 1804 at the Notre-Dame cathedral, where he literally grabbed the crown from the hands of Pope Pius VII and placed it on his own head (this is not how things were done back then), perfectly symbolized his ambition. The lesson? Never let the circumstances of your birth limit your aspirations. If your vision is grand, you'll have to defy societal norms and boundaries to achieve it. 2. Whoever is most adaptable, wins Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, despite being outnumbered, showcases his adaptability. He was able to read the changing battlefield and altered his tactics accordingly in real time. By luring the Russo-Austrian forces onto the so-called 'Pratzen Heights', he drew them into a tactical trap that led to a decisive victory. The lesson? In the ever-changing circumstances of life, it's not the fittest that survive. It's the most adaptable. 3. Knowledge truly is power Napoleon was a lifelong learner. His time at the military academy in Brienne-le-Château set the foundation for a love of knowledge that never left him. He vigorously studied history, literature, and the sciences. He even authored a short novel, 'Clisson et Eugénie', in his youth. This passion for knowledge was also reflected in his political reforms, including the establishment of the University of France, which centralized education, and the creation of the Napoleonic Code, a civil code that influenced many later legal systems worldwide. The lesson? Greatness means you're never finished learning. A lifelong pursuit of (and emphasis on) knowledge is required if you want to reach your potential. 4. Fortune favors the bold Napoleon's military prowess was in part due to his courageousness. This might be best exhibited at the Battle of Lodi in 1796. Despite the barrage of bullets, he led his men across the bridge of Lodi. This inspired intense devotion among his troops, bolstered their morale and contributed to the French victory. It also earned him the nickname 'the Little Corporal'. The lesson? Courage compounds. 5. Don't overlook the details Napoleon was well known for his meticulous planning and attention to detail. The Battle of Ulm in 1805 is proof of this. He organized an elaborate encirclement of General Mack's Austrian forces, which led to their surrender without a major fight. The lesson? Good things come to those with a PLAN. Understand every detail, and think several steps ahead...whether you're planning a military campaign or preparing a business proposal. 6. Understand what motivates other people Napoleon's ability to inspire and empower his men was a key component of his success. One way he did that was by creating the Legion of Honour, a merit-based award, for his most outstanding troops. His observation that "Men are moved by two levers only: fear and self-interest" gives insight into his understanding of human nature and motivation. The lesson? Large-scale success isn't just understanding what motivates us. We have to be able to motivate others, as well. 7. Decisiveness wins The coup of 18 Brumaire, which brought Napoleon to political power in 1799, was the result of a decisive and bold decision. Realizing the political chaos in France, he seized the opportunity to intervene, marking the start of his ascent to power. The lesson? In life, opportunities are fleeting. Your window of opportunity might only be days or even seconds long. It's crucial to seize it without hesitation. 8. You can't get what you want without taking big risks In 1803, Napoleon took a calculated risk by selling Louisiana to the United States, which doubled the size of the U.S. and significantly boosted the French treasury. At the time this seemed risky, because it dramatically increased the United States' power. But the sale also eliminated potential American opposition to his European policies. The lesson? Progress often requires taking calculated risks. 9. Humility comes for everyone Napoleon's final days in exile on the remote island of Saint Helena underscore the importance of humility. His overreach and the alienation of allies led to his ultimate downfall. The more accomplished you are, the more important humility becomes. Remember your roots, and remember those who helped you along the way. And remember you're always human. 10. Lead from the front Napoleon was well known for his hands-on leadership style, aka "leading from the front." For example, during the battle of Arcole in 1796, Napoleon grabbed a flag and led his men across a heavily defended bridge under intense enemy fire. This type of leadership inspires loyalty in those you lead. The lesson? If you're a leader, do the hard things. Lead from the front. Never be afraid to do the grunt work. If you've read this far, thank you. Please consider sharing / engaging with this post. If people like this type of thing, I'll make more of them.