AUTHOR: Peter Anthony
TITLE: Napoleon by Paul Johnson
DATE: 6/28/2007
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BODY:
In Napoleon Paul Johnson describes the many facets of this genius. He reminds us that real success means versatility. Napoleon could be entrepreneurial, analytical or ruthless depending on the circumstances.
1. Napololeon was entrepreneural. “Bonaparte believed not in revolution but change, perhaps accelerated evolution is the exact term. He wanted things to work better,or more fairly, and also faster. He had an implicit contract with his men: they would make his victories possible, and in return he would ensure them loot."
2. Napoleon was an analyst At age 28 he said "Europe is too small for me... I must go East" 'He calculated that with 30,000 French troops, he could raise another 30,000 mercenaries in Egypt, and with 50,000 camels and 150 canon he could be on the Indus within four months. He worked all this out down to the last round of ammunition and water canister.'
3. Napoleon was ruthless “The object of power in his view was not only to crush the opposition to his will, but more usually to inspire fear, so that power did not need to be used at all." “He rejected medical advances of the day in wound dressing and treatment preferring amputation in the field for any reported injury. This kept reported injuries low and medical intervention rapid and simple.”
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