Napoleon Bonaparte's Passion: The Quest for Grandeur

Interestingly, you asked this question on December 2nd, the day Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor and the site of his greatest military victory at Austerlitz. His life was epitomized by these two dates: the acquisition of power through military triumph and the pursuit of power through political triumph.

"Power is my mistress. I have worked too hard at her conquest to allow anyone to take her away from me." - Napoleon

The answer to this question will depend on your perspective of Napoleon as a person. Opinions on Napoleon’s character vary widely, and so will the answers to this question. My initial thought was that it was either power or ambition, as Napoleon himself reportedly said, “power is my mistress.” However, the more I reflected on it, the more I believe that this is not the core of his passion. My subjective answer would be grandeur. Napoleon was driven by what he perceived as greatness throughout his life, a theme captured perfectly in the title of Andrew Roberts’ book on Napoleon in the UK: "Napoleon: A Life."

Napoleon's desire for greatness began as a child. He aspired to be like the heroic figures of ancient Rome, and this craving for a position of absolute authority influenced many of his decisions. This deep-seated desire for grandeur can be seen in his actions and decisions. When he commissioned paintings of himself, when he had proclamations drafted, when he ordered the reconstruction or refurbishment of his palaces, and when he developed the elaborate and detailed court etiquette, he always sought to be perceived as great. His architect, Louis Fontaine, quoted him as saying, "Any that is great is also beautiful."

The Desire for Grandeur

The drive for grandeur not only fueled Napoleon's achievements but also led him to make several critical mistakes. It kept him from taming his ambitions, alienated him from some of his followers, and delayed his pursuit of peace negotiations. It may have been a significant reason for his return from exile on Elba. The Hundred Days, a crucial period in Napoleon’s legend, also significantly damaged his reputation as it was an adventure of an adventurer, gambler, and soldier of fortune rather than a responsible statesman.

Some might argue that Napoleon should have preferred to sit on his miniature throne on Elba, flaunting the struggles of winners with the liberal ideas and forces he had helped unleash across Europe. However, such a perspective would have been contrary to Napoleon's worldview. To him, the pursuit of grandeur was more important than the consequences it brought.

The Quest for Greatness

Napoleon's relentless pursuit of greatness was both his strength and his downfall. It drove him to achieve remarkable military and political victories but also led him to make critical errors. His desire for grandeur was paramount in every aspect of his life, from his military campaigns to his administrative reforms. However, it also led him to overlook his limitations and the potential negative impacts of his actions.

Napoleon's vision of grandeur permeated every facet of his life, from his architectural projects to his military strategies. The pursuit of greatness was what fueled his ambitions and shaped the world during his tenure as Emperor. Whether it was the aesthetics of his palaces or the elegance of his court, Napoleon was always striving to achieve greatness, even if it meant making significant sacrifices.

Conclusion

While opinions on Napoleon may differ, his relentless pursuit of grandeur is a common thread that unites them. From his early dreams of becoming a great man like the heroes of ancient Rome to his eventual downfall, Napoleon's passion for grandeur defines his legacy. His life serves as a testament to the power and potential of the human pursuit of greatness, even if it comes at a significant cost.