A fresh green apple and a shrivelled brown apple stand on either side of a small brass balance scale.

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Napoleon Bonaparte

The first qualification in a general is a cool head – that is, a head which receives accurate impressions, and estimates things and objects at their real value. He must not allow himself to be elated by good news, or depressed by bad.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Napoleon says a general's first asset is a steady mind that sees things as they are. Good news shouldn't thrill him and bad news shouldn't crush him. It's a view of command as calm, accurate judgment over emotion.

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