#337 Napoleon's Maxims and Strategy

1844 snips

Feb 5, 2024

Delve into Napoleon’s remarkable military strategies and how they reshaped warfare. Discover timeless lessons that apply to both military and business realms, emphasizing preparedness and adaptability. Explore the crucial role of cash reserves and the importance of trust in transactions. Learn about the balance between planning and flexibility in leadership, and the power of effective storytelling. Finally, uncover how studying historical figures can enhance your strategic thinking and decision-making in today's world.

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INSIGHT

Napoleon's Strategic Brilliance

Napoleon's strategic and tactical brilliance was unparalleled, surprising opponents with rapid battles.
His system focused on speed and flanking maneuvers to disrupt enemy communications.

ADVICE

Competing on Your Terms

Compete on your terms, only playing games where you have an edge, much like Napoleon's strategic approach.
Napoleon's influence on military strategy is profound, shaping the art of war for generations, including Clausewitz's work.

ANECDOTE

Stonewall Jackson's Use of Maxims

Stonewall Jackson carried Napoleon's maxims throughout his Civil War campaign, valuing their strategic insights.
A complete exposition of Napoleon's grand principles of war.

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The fish that ate the whale

The Life and Times of America's Banana King

Rich Cohen

This book tells the fascinating story of Samuel Zemurray, who started as a roadside banana peddler and eventually built a sprawling empire involving banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen. Rich Cohen's narrative explores Zemurray's rise to power, his involvement in overthrowing Central American governments, and his complex role in American history. The book delves into Zemurray's personal life, his business exploits, and the moral implications of his actions, painting a nuanced portrait of a man driven by an indomitable will to succeed.

Poor Charlie's Almanack

The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Charles T. Munger

Peter D. Kaufman

Originally published in 2005, Poor Charlie's Almanack is a collection of eleven talks delivered by Charles T. Munger between 1986 and 2007. Edited by Peter D. Kaufman, this book draws on Munger's extensive knowledge across various fields to provide a framework for rational and rigorous approaches to life, learning, and decision-making. It is renowned for its sharp wit and rhetorical flair, making it an essential read for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to enhance their wisdom and critical thinking skills.

The Tao of Charlie Munger

A Compilation of Quotes from Berkshire Hathaway's Vice Chairman on Life, Business, and the Pursuit of Wealth With Commentary by David Clark

David Clark

This book is a compendium of quotes from Charlie Munger, culled from interviews, speeches, and questions and answers at the Berkshire Hathaway and Wesco annual meetings. It offers insights into Munger’s remarkable financial success and life philosophies. Described by Business Insider as 'sharp in his wit and investing wisdom,' Munger’s investment tips, business philosophy, and rules for living are unique, intelligent, and successful. The book is structured similarly to The Tao of Warren Buffett and The Tao of Te Ching, with commentary by David Clark, coauthor of the Buffettology series.

Confessions of an Advertising Man

David Ogilvy

First published in 1963, this book revolutionized the world of advertising and became a bible for the 1960s ad generation. It covers topics such as how to manage an advertising agency, acquire and retain clients, build great campaigns, write potent copy, and navigate office politics. The book is filled with Ogilvy's pioneering ideas, inspirational philosophy, and practical advice, making it an essential blueprint for good practice in business.

Maxims and Reflections

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Seneca

Seneca's "Maxims and Reflections" offers a collection of concise and insightful observations on various aspects of life, reflecting the core principles of Stoicism. The maxims provide practical guidance on managing emotions, dealing with adversity, and living a virtuous life. Seneca's writing style is characterized by its clarity, brevity, and profound wisdom. The reflections offer personal insights into his own experiences and struggles, making the text relatable and engaging. The book serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking to cultivate inner peace and resilience.

The Mind of Napoleon

J. Christopher Herold

Heroes From Alexander The Great And Julius Caesar To Churchill And De Gaulle

Paul Johnson

In 'Heroes', Paul Johnson examines the concept of heroism by profiling a diverse range of historical figures, from military leaders like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to cultural icons like Mae West and Marilyn Monroe. The book delves into the lives of these individuals, highlighting their achievements and the impact they had on their respective eras. Johnson's work spans centuries, offering insights into what makes a hero and how perceptions of heroism have evolved over time.

Napoleon: A Concise Biography

David Bell

Insull

The Rise and Fall of A Billionaire Utility Tycoon

Forrest McDonald

Roots of Strategy

Thomas R. Phillips

This book compiles the most influential military classics prior to the 19th century, offering insights into strategic warfare from renowned figures like Sun Tzu and Napoleon. It includes translations of Saxe's 'Reveries' and Frederick the Great's 'Secret Instructions', providing foundational texts for military education.

What I learned from reading Roots of Strategy by Thomas R. Phillips and Napoleon and Modern War by Napoleon and Col. Lanza.

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(0:01) Napoleon fought more battles than Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar combined.

(5:00) The Mind of Napoleon: A Selection of His Written and Spoken Words edited by J. Christopher Herold. (Founders #302)

(7:00) Insull: The Rise and Fall of A Billionaire Utility Tycoon by Forrest McDonald. (Founders #336)

(8:00) No one should believe more in your business than you do. If this is not the case you are in the wrong business.

(11:00) If you do everything you will win.

(13:00) Napoleon episodes:

Napoleon: A Concise Biography by David Bell. (Founders #294)

The Mind of Napoleon: A Selection of His Written and Spoken Words edited by J. Christopher Herold. (Founders #302)

(14:00) What is the bigger number, five or one? One. One army, a real army, united behind one leader, with one purpose. A fist instead of 5 fingers. — Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones (YouTube)

(17:00) Keep your forces united. Be vulnerable at no point. Bear down with rapidity upon important points. These are the principles which insure victory.

(17:00) Read over and over again the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, Gustavus, Turenne, Eugene and Frederic. Make them your models. This is the only way to become a great general and to master the secrets of the art of war. With your own genius enlightened by this study, you will reject all maxims opposed to those of these great commanders. [If Napoleon was alive you know he’d listen to Founders podcast]

(20:00) The Tao of Charlie Munger by Charlie Munger and David Clark (Founders #295)

(20:00) Advance orders tend to stifle initiative. A commander should be left free to adapt himself to circumstances as they occur.

(23:00) The art of war consists in a well organized and conservative defense, coupled with an audacious and rapid offensive.

(26:00) Ten people who yell make more noise than ten thousand who keep silent.

(29:00) Long orders, which require much time to prepare, to read and to understand are the enemies of speed. Napoleon could issue orders of few sentences which clearly expressed his intentions and required little time to issue and to understand.

(31:00) A great leader will resort to audacity.

(32:00) “Alexander the Great thought, decided, and above all, moved swiftly. He appreciated the importance of speed and the terrifying surprises speed made possible. His enemies were always stunned and shocked by his arrival. He invented the blitzkrieg.” — Heroes: From Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to Churchill and de Gaulle by Paul Johnson. (Episode #226)

(34:00) It is no harm to be too strong; it may be fatal to be too weak.

(41:00) Napoleon on single threaded leadership: Once a campaign has been decided upon there should be no hesitation in appointing one commander to assure its success. When authority is divided, opinions and actions differ, and confusion and delay arises. A single chief proceeds with vigor; he is not delayed by necessity to confer.

(42:00) Posess obstinate will.

(43:00) Experience must be supplemented by study. No man's personal experience can be so inclusive as to warrant his disregarding the experiences of others. (This is a great reason why you should invest in a subscription to Founders Notes )

(44:00) It is profitable to study the campaigns of the great masters.

(47:00) Skill consists in converging a mass of fire upon a single point. He that has the skill to bring a sudden, unexpected concentration of artillery to bear upon a selected point is sure to capture it. (A lesson from Peter Thiel: Don’t divide your attention: focusing on one thing yields increasing returns for each unit of effort.)

(49:00) All great captains have been diligent students [of history].

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