Napoleon Bonaparte

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Mastery of Strategic Geography

  Strategy

  A leader must deeply study the terrain and key locations of their field to identify the single point where a small force can achieve a decisive victory.

  Source Korean Wikipedia: 나폴레옹 보나파르트  (opens in a new tab)

• All-in strategy for high stakes

  Strategy

  When facing immense difficulties and high risks, one must be prepared to stake everything to gain everything rather than playing it safe.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Boldness as a Strategic Asset

  Strategy

  Unexpected and daring moves can paralyze an opponent's decision-making and force them into a defensive mindset.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Information Exchange for Advantage

  Negotiation

  It is acceptable to reveal true but non-critical information to an enemy if it secures vital intelligence about their core positions and plans.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Strategic Gift Giving

  Marketing

  Gifts should be chosen not just for the recipient's pleasure, but for the message they send to the wider market or competition when the gesture is reported.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize duty over personal disagreement

  Leadership

  Napoleon valued subordinates who, despite differing opinions, remained loyal to their military duty and execution of plans.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Repay debts with generous interest

  Integrity

  When faced with a past kindness or debt, responding with multiple times the original value builds immense loyalty and repairs past wrongs.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Beware of reform for reform's sake

  Management

  A leader should not destroy existing systems without creating something better in their place, as aimless reform leads to mismanagement.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Cut losses on non-performing assets

  Strategy

  Assets that cost more than they produce should be sold before they are lost to competitors or rebellion.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Implement a cooling-off period for emotional decisions

  Management

  Avoid publishing or acting on communications dictated in moments of irritability; review them the next day to ensure they align with long-term goals.

  Source Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte — Volume 05  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain a dual perspective

  Leadership

  A leader should possess an eye that is both telescopic and microscopic, seeing the big picture while managing tiny details.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Whenever he could use a short, compact word he did so.”

• Value is determined by scarcity

  Pricing

  Historical documents and personal relics command high prices because they are rare and provide unique insights into a famous figure's soul.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)

• Accept Vulnerability to Strengthen Resolve

  Resilience

  Acknowledging that personal fears can blight the soul allows a leader to confront their fate with more clarity, even when feeling unguarded.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain focus amidst personal turmoil

  Focus

  Even when facing deep personal distress or disappointment, one must continue to execute professional duties and strategic movements.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain constant communication

  Management

  Regular updates and consistent contact are essential to maintaining trust and alignment in any important partnership.

  Supporting quotes

  • “You to whom nature has given intelligence, tenderness, and beauty, you who alone can rule my heart, you who doubtless know only too well the unlimited power you hold over me!”

• Balance Risk with Resilience

  Resilience

  View high-stakes crises as romantic and epic challenges rather than mere setbacks to maintain mental fortitude.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I am in very fair health, and satisfied with what I see.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Submit to the nature of things

  Decisions

  A leader must prioritize objective circumstances and the 'nature of things' over personal feelings or desires.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain Momentum in Pursuit

  Strategy

  When an opponent is retreating or in disarray, one must pursue them closely to prevent them from regrouping.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)

• Build a Strategic Reserve

  Wealth

  One should limit annual spending to half of the income to build a substantial reserve over a decade for future generations or emergencies.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain Professional Affection

  Leadership

  Even when formal structures change, maintaining consistent personal loyalty and friendship ensures long-term stability in key relationships.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812: For the First Time Collected and Translated, with Notes Social, Historical, and Chronological, from Contemporary Sources  (opens in a new tab)