Chapter 228
When Power Confronts Its Own Horror
The terrible spectacle of the battlefield covered with dead and wounded, together with the heaviness of his head and the news that some twenty generals he knew personally had been killed or wounded, and the consciousness of the impotence of his once mighty arm, produced an unexpected impression on Napoleon who usually liked to look at the killed and wounded, thereby, he considered, testing his strength of mind. This day the horrible appearance of the battlefield overcame that strength of mind which he thought constituted his merit and his greatness. He rode hurriedly from the battlefield and returned to the…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Rewrite Your Own Story
Think of a decision you made that had negative consequences for others. Write two versions: first, the story you might tell to make yourself look better, then the honest version acknowledging your full responsibility. Notice what changes between the two versions and what emotions come up as you write each one.
Consider:
- •Pay attention to which version feels more comfortable to write
- •Notice what language you use to minimize or justify in the first version
- •Consider how the honest version might help you make better decisions going forward
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you caught yourself creating a story to avoid facing the full impact of your choices. What would change if you committed to telling yourself the truth about your decisions?
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