Posts tagged Napoleon
Book Recommendation – The Billy Ruffian: The Bellerophon and the Downfall of Napoleon
Feb 5th
The Billy Ruffian: The Bellerophon and the Downfall of Napoleon by David Cordingly
The Bellerophon was one of the most recognized and battle hardened fighting ships in the English navy. I believe it was the only ship to fight in all four of the major naval battles of the time (Saintes, 1st of June, Nile – where it was almost completely leveled – and Trafalgar). Called fondly the Billy Ruffian by English sailors who couldn’t pronounce Bellerophon, David Cordingly demonstrates in this wonderful book, how the Bellerophon, during the period 1794-1815, was an integral part of this period of time. Before ending her career as a “floating prison” she was in the thick of the action at the Battle of the Saintes, Battle of the Glorious First of June, the Battle of the Nile, and the Battle of Trafalgar in addition to pulling extensive blockade duties, and being a temporary home/prison for Napoleon before it was decided to place him on St. Helena (this is a piece of trivia because The Cumberland is more well known for carrying Napoleon to St. Helena). The book takes you through an amazing period of time in history (pre-Napoleon thru post Napoleon) and gives insight into one of the greatest navies in history and one of the greatest fighting ships in history. It is also amazing with the hundreds of fighting ships England had over this period of time, the Bellerophon always seemed to be there for all the major battles and in the middle of every one of them.
Scene in Plymouth Sound in August 1815, by John James Chalon. Bellerophon is at the centre of the picture, surrounded by crowds of people in small boats who have come to see Napoleon
Some of my favorite quotes: Part 1
Dec 5th
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Never interrupt the enemy when he is making a mistake.
Napoleon Bonaparte
This quote always reminds me of patience. I have always liked this quote. So often we are in a rush to “do something” where patience is called for. Napoleon’s strategies have been examined and torn apart by more expert analysis than I would be capable of doing, but I would say two things.
1. In general he selected great commanders of his armies and delegated initiative to respond.
2. His strength as a general was not in planning but responding. He put himself in situations. Waited. And responded. And won often.
This quote reminds me of patience and delegation.
There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures. (IV.ii.269–276)
William Shakespeare
I am not a big classic literature guy. I struggle to slog my way through things like the works of Shakespeare. But I truly appreciate the well articulated sound bite whenever it is written.
I love this one. To me, it is a reminder that opportunities in life are fleeting, but there are many if you pay attention. It is nice to remind yourself there are many opportunities ebbing and flowing in front of us (because then you stop dwelling on regrets). Not just opportunities to succeed or do things but also to laugh and love and live. We should seek these tides and enjoy them rather than simply float aimlessly on some ocean of time.
Of course. Some literary expert will probably tell me I completely missed the point. But. This is my website. And my thought on the quote.
How Far Would You Go To Solve A Problem?
Dec 2nd
(a business lesson from September 14th 1812)
Unknown German artist. The French in Moscow. 1812. 1820s. Oil on canvas.
On September 14th 1812, the Russians set fire to Moscow in the face of Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops. The governor of Moscow herded out the majority of Moscow residents and burned almost 80% of the city.
Just as a reminder to all non-historians…this began the demise of Napoleon’s reign. This action not only permitted Russia to defeat Napoleon by forcing a debilitating retreat back to France, but it also began the demise of the Grand Armee of France.
Vasily Vereshchagin. The Return from the Petroff Palace. 1895. Oil on canvas. Historical Museum, Moscow, Russia.
The point of this is… what happened on this date should make us all think about what we in the business world would sacrifice to win.
