Chapter 13
Volume II, Book 1: Waterloo - The Battlefield
Those who wish to get a clear idea of the battle of Waterloo have only to place, mentally, on the ground, a capital A. The left limb of the A is the road from Nivelles, the right limb is the road from Genappe, the tie of the A is the hollow road from Ohain to Braine-l'Alleud. The top of the A is Waterloo, the lower left tip is Hougomont, the lower right tip is La Belle-Alliance. In the centre of this tie is the precise point where the final word of the battle was spoken. It is there that the…
Critical Thinking Exercise
Mapping Your Battlefield
Think of a current challenge you're facing (job search, relationship issue, financial problem). Map it like Hugo mapped Waterloo: What are your advantages and disadvantages? Who holds the high ground? Where might you find strategic opportunities?
Consider:
- •What factors are within your control vs. beyond it?
- •Who are the key players and what motivates them?
- •What alternative approaches might change your position?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when changing your approach or position turned a potential defeat into a victory. What did you learn about the importance of strategy vs. strength?
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