The Mortimer J. Adler Archive Anecdotes Adler Memorial Service Remembrances Memorial Services Program Tribute to Dr. Adler in the Congressional Record Select a Feature... Main Page/Index Adler Biography Adler Bibliography Adler Books Adler Briefing Room Adler Remembrances Adler Anecdotes Adler Audio-Video The Adler Archive Index
Many of Dr. Adler's books are available through The Radical Academy Bookstore. Books by Mortimer J. Adler For more information about Dr. Adler and his discussion of The Great Ideas, visit... The Center for the Study of The Great Ideas Click Here for New & Used College Textbooks at Discount Prices Click Here for College Education Information & Study Resources Shop Amazon Stores in the Radical Academy Bookstore Magazine Outlet Music Store Classical Music Store Video Store DVD Store Computer Store Camera & Photo Store Computer/Video Games Software Store Musical Instruments Outlet Store Cellular Phones Toys & Games Tools & Hardware Automotive Store Outdoor Living Consumer Electronics Home & Garden Kitchen & Housewares Baby Superstore Apparel & Accessories Gourmet Food Grocery Store Sporting Goods Jewelry & Watches Health & Personal Care Beauty Store		MORTIMER ADLER, SILVER MEDAL, CLASS 3   In 1914, Mortimer Adler took a Silver Medal in Class 3 of an essay contest about Napoleon. His essay appeared in The Sun on Sunday June 7, 1914. His picture is above and his essay below. Napoleon! This name itself at one time suggested fear throughout Europe. He was the greatest man of modern times, and I think I might easily say he was one of the greatest men the world has ever known.  There are many questions which we have to debate in our minds before coming to a decision. He was a great soldier and statesman, because he was naturally made to command and because he had that spirit that carries men to success. When Napoleon made up his mind to do a thing he did it. I think determination is a very good habit for men who have to lead others.  He, like other, great men, had many faults, the greatest of which was vanity. The loss of the battle of Waterloo was due to his vanity, for not until the last few days of the battle did he appear upon the field in person. Don't you think this was a great fault?  One of his achievements was to gain the love of his soldiers. This helped him in many a hard fought battle. When his soldiers thought all was lost Napoleon stood up in his stirrups and at the very sight of him the soldiers inspired by his great form, took courage and turned defeat into victory. He must have been a great man, for the soldiers loved him like a father.  Another thing that helped him along the path to success was the fact that he had under him some of the best generals in Europe at that period. Some of his favorite generals were Ney, Grouchy, Junot, Murat, and Lannes.  Another instance of his greatness was shown by the rapidity with which he advanced himself in public offices. In the year 1285 he become a Second Lieutenant of artillery. He was soon advanced as Lieutenant, then to Captain and so on up the ranks of officers of the Imperial Army of France, till in the year 1796, eleven years after the date of his appointment as a Second Lieutenant he became commander in chief of the French forces in Italy. Napoleon was then only 26 years of age. Could an ordinary civilian advance with such alacrity?  On the 18th of May, 1604, Napoleon and Josephine were crowned Emperor and Empress of France. He was at the head of Europe: he had paced his brothers on thrones various countries. Did any other man ever have control of Europe? He was now at the summit of his climb; he remained there for a certain period, and then he began to descend as rapidly as he has ascended.  Like other great men of his type he had an end of isolation. So let it be with Napoleon! After the fatal retreat from Moscow, the battle of a Waterloo and the triumphant entry of the allied armies of England and Prussia into Paris, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, where in the year 1821, on the 5th of May, at half past 5 o'clock he passed away.  To sum up this question in as few words as possible, I think no man on earth went through or saw more than he did. This anecdote provided to us courtesy of Max Weismann, The Center for the Study of The Great Ideas. Adler Memorial Service Remembrances Memorial Services Program Tribute to Dr. Adler in the Congressional Record Return to Anecdotes Main Page Enrich Your Life With A Book About Philosophy Academy Showcase Specials The Adler Archive Index
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