Death of the Great Exile. Who killed Napoleon Bonaparte?

Attitudes to this issue of men and women

Men are more often predisposed to having such a complex (probably the whole point is that they perceive their own short stature more difficult than women).

For such people, the desire to assert themselves in society is considered an urgently necessary factor for a full-fledged existence. Since nature has deprived them of physical data, they begin to compensate for this deficiency with other qualities and talents. It is impossible to say unequivocally that this is bad, because thanks to this desire they become real professionals in their field. However, if recognition cannot be achieved “in a good way,” then cruelty and an obsessive desire to command begin to progress.

Women experience this problem much calmer. Firstly, it gives them the opportunity to seriously engage in ballet, acrobatics, and rhythmic gymnastics. Secondly, this gives them the right to choose from absolutely all men - both tall and short. So they definitely win.

Who are the Napoleons?

People suffering from the Napoleon complex strive with all their might to stand out through professionalism, erudition, humor, sociability, and talent. They try to show off their intelligence, realizing that their height (and large muscles) “failed.” If they fail to attract maximum attention to themselves, they suffer greatly, become depressed and despair, because they associate physical growth with visibility and think that they are not noticed.

Most often, the Napoleon complex occurs in men, because for them physical indicators come first. In addition, men are often captive of prejudices that women look up to men, evaluate them in this way, and like a man to be taller than themselves. Actually this is not true.

“Napoleons” are characterized by perfectionism and demands on themselves. At the same time, they are often intrusive - after all, they need to prove their importance to everyone. They are very easy to offend, they are proud, vindictive and do not like criticism addressed to them. But at the same time, they do not tolerate indulgence for themselves; they prefer to solve all problems on their own. Their sharp mind allows them to find solutions where ordinary people do not see them. Another feature of the “Napoleons” is their love for everything big and majestic: they buy a large car, an impressive house, an office; They choose tall people as friends. This also shows an attempt to compensate for short stature.

Literature, films and cartoons feature brilliant and at the same time mad scientists who are trying to take over the world. They invent superweapons, unique chemical compositions, etc., creating a global catastrophe out of all this. And most often they are depicted as short people, or even dwarfs. Such works of popular culture support the myth that little people are cruel and insanely bloodthirsty. In reality, “Napoleons” are rarely truly evil; more often they are kind, although demanding. Cruelty is unprofitable for them, because they are drawn to people and are dependent on communication: “Napoleons” need to attract people to themselves by all means.

Napoleon complex or... Korais?

Many believe that Napoleon Bonaparte was short, which explains his ambition and desire to conquer the world. People around him even called him “our little corporal.” However, in reality, the height of the “little corporal” was above average: 169 cm. Kutuzov’s height was almost the same – 172 cm. Why did the legend about Napoleon's short stature spread? One explanation for this is that the soldiers and officers of his army wore lush outfits with high plumes, which visually added centimeters to them; Napoleon himself dressed simply, so against the background of his dressed-up subordinates he seemed small. Another explanation is that Napoleon was shorter than some of his contemporary rulers, in particular Alexander I. The Russian Tsar at that time was considered a giant - as much as 183 centimeters. It is clear that in the Russian court environment Napoleon was ridiculed precisely as a “little” ruler.

However, there was a man in Napoleon's circle named Adamantios Korais. This is a Greek scientist and educator who trusted France and hoped that Napoleon would help Greece, which had just gained independence. One of Korais's works is a translation of Strabo into French. The scientist presented this book to Napoleon at a ceremony. When Napoleon saw Korais heading towards him, he almost died laughing: the height of the Greek scientist was... about 1 meter. It was a real dwarf. He was dressed in a dress uniform designed for a tall man, and every now and then he tripped over a sword tied to his belt.

So it would be more correct to call this disease “Korais complex.” True, Korais himself did not suffer from an exaggerated desire to take over the world.

The rise of the world's dictators also does not support the idea that short stature is somehow connected with cruelty and bloodthirstiness. Mussolini was 169 cm tall, like Napoleon. Hitler and Stalin were 173 and 174 cm tall, respectively. Below all of them was, for example, Winston Churchill (167 cm), who could not be called a dictator.

Distinctive characteristics of people with a Napoleon complex

Any complex is always a mental deviation, so you can’t just let it all take its course and wait for it to go away on its own. If only simply because nothing ever goes away on its own.

People who are susceptible to this complex have common symptoms:

• the desire to assert oneself in society at any cost;
• imposing one’s point of view as the only correct one;
• painful pride;
• vindictiveness and rancor;
• perfectionism;
• increased demands on oneself and others;
• the desire to surround oneself with large and expensive things;
• choosing a disproportionately tall person as a companion.

Signs and methods of control

Despotism

A person strives to prove to everyone that, despite his growth and fragility, he is capable of achievement. And, in order not to go to extremes, becoming tyrannical, think about what advantages you have, what else can you show to the world? For example, Louis de Funes won recognition thanks to his charisma and humor, although his height is 164 cm. If you want championship, look at the article “12 ways to develop a team leader”, there you will find recommendations that can advance you in your aspirations, not without harming yourself and without destroying your relationships with others.

Excessive external pomposity and self-confidence

Although in fact there are storms and hurricanes inside from fears and anxieties. The more a person shows his arrogance and superiority, the more shame he has for himself inside. This is the kind of phenomenon that exists in psychology. If a colleague or loved one behaves this way, the very understanding of how he really suffers will reduce the level of anger and irritation towards him. But what to do if you feel this way - first of all, admit that you have difficulties with self-awareness and self-perception.

Shame should be fought, just like fear, by moving towards it. Try to be more open to people, clarify whether they really consider you “unworthy”, or does it just seem that way to you? Believe me, the wall of exclusion pushes a large number of people away from you, shame isolates and distorts reality. Take the risk of expressing yourself through positive experiences; over time, you will not need a mask of superiority.

Reality distortion

That is, the peculiarity of associating every failure with one’s short stature, believing that others are simply finding fault with it, not taking it seriously. Thus, they abdicate responsibility for their actions and actions. After all, the opinion that others are simply unfair to them is more comfortable and pleasant than the realization that they did not make enough effort or made a mistake. This is especially common in men. Learn to take responsibility, each time asking the question: “What did I personally bring to the situation that it all ended like this?”

Aggressiveness

Sometimes “Napoleonics” are truly aggressive, they simply cannot withstand suffering and anxiety, which is why they constantly experience background irritation. They also want to show the world that they are not as weak as it seems at first glance, preferring a style of behavior where “the best defense is attack.” If you recognize yourself in these lines, then I recommend looking at the article “TOP 8 methods of dealing with attacks of aggression and irritability.”

Envy

The desire to be the same as others can cause harm if you constantly experience so-called “black” envy. To cope with it, write a list of 10 qualities and skills that you like about yourself. Then think about why they are bad for you. Then write down 10 points that you don’t like about yourself, and you consider them shortcomings, and then convert them into advantages in the same way. So you will understand what balance means, and that the very attitude towards something is important.

Each quality can be both useful and harmful, it all depends on the conditions and situation.

The same Louis de Funes turned his small stature into an advantage, not being embarrassed, but on the contrary, creating pictures where he looks comical against the background of larger people. You are unique, be proud of it and turn your differences from other people into an ally. And also look at the article about envy, there you will find more exercises for understanding it and developing the ability to compete.

Closedness

This is the other pole of aggressiveness; a person simply directs it inward, avoiding communication and attempts to realize his desires. This often leads to deep depression, even to the point of committing suicide. Be sure to read the article “Top 15 best methods to combat depression with despondency and melancholy” .

Historical reference

It is no coincidence that this complex bears the name of the great French emperor - from history we know that Napoleon Bonaparte was short (only 162 centimeters), but this did not stop him from conquering all of Europe.

The Austrian scientist Alfred Adler, who was engaged in research on the topic of high levels of aggressiveness in short people, first became interested in these facts. This theory has both followers and opponents, but the term remains in active use today.

Manifestation in women

The Napoleon complex in women is not inherent to the fair half. Small stature is a pride for a girl. It is generally accepted that girls with short stature look prettier and attract more men. Short girls can wear high-heeled shoes without any problems. Tall girls cannot afford such a luxury; they have every chance of being taller than their companion.

You want to protect short girls and protect them from all problems. However, some young ladies say that they are annoyed by the increased care and loyalty towards them.

Heels look perfect on short girls

Particularly common misconceptions about short men

• short men are not sexy: on the contrary, high levels of testosterone make them more attractive (one of the most striking examples is Tom Cruise);
• women give preference to tall people because of the desire to feel protected and look up: now the ability to establish yourself in life, charisma and determination are much more valuable than height. In addition, nothing prevents short men from keeping themselves in good physical shape and actively playing sports. A striking example of success can be considered world boxing champion Jacob Matlala, whose height is only 147 centimeters.

Being short is not a death sentence at all. And besides, if you don’t want to play sports, no one is stopping you from being more active in brain training - everyone has the right to choose.

Famous short people

If you still firmly believe that success depends on height, then here is a list of short people who are famous all over the world. Once you get acquainted with it, the Napoleonic complex comes second.

1. Angus Young, singer and guitarist of the famous rock band AC/DC, is famous for his talent and crazy energy. Angus's height is 157 cm.
2. Spud Webb is a famous guard for the NBA basketball team. Height 170 cm is the shortest for a basketball career, but the basketball player proved that this is far from the main criterion.
3. Danny DeVito, 150 cm tall, became famous throughout the world thanks to his acting, directing and producing abilities.
4. Tom Cruise is a Hollywood actor. He achieved fame and became a sex symbol with a height of 170 cm.
5. Robert Downey Jr. Widely known to everyone for his role as Iron Man. He amazed everyone with his acting and made a fortune with his height of 169 cm.
6. Mary-Kate Olsen is an actress, young designer and 157 cm tall.
7. Kristen Bell is an excellent actress and is only 155 cm tall.
8. Eva Longoria. She made a revolution in the world of the modeling industry. While all short girls dreamed of a modeling career, Eva, with a height of 157 cm, became one of the most popular models.
9. Natalie Portman is an outstanding actress and is active in charity work. The girl's height is 160 cm.

Complexes of short women.

The beautiful half of humanity, in general, by nature, is prone to worries about their appearance, and this does not depend on any specific factors (with any height, age, weight, hair color, a woman will find flaws in herself that will upset her).

If you look at it, then, in principle, all the dissatisfaction of short women comes down to two problems:

• lack of long legs and
• impossibility of becoming a model.

But can such a small thing really be considered a serious drawback for an intelligent woman who takes care of herself and knows how to present her strengths? Of course not. These are such little things that you shouldn’t even focus your attention on them.

History and causes

This complex was discovered by Alfred Adler, the famous psychologist. He found out that all people experience it because in childhood they felt the superiority of adults and their inferiority compared to them. It is from these feelings that every healthy child strives to be like one of his parents, to do something better than him and, in general, has a desire to grow up and reach heights as quickly as possible.

This message perfectly motivates children to develop, especially if adults support their aspirations, not devaluing or competing, but giving space for self-expression. Then even small stature will not cause a feeling in adulthood that you have been underestimated. But Napoleon syndrome manifests itself when the environment is not entirely healthy, that is, for some reason the parents did not provide a safe environment for growing up. For example, being overly protective of him.

The child does not have the opportunity to express himself, to gain experience through trial and error; adults, “powerful figures” with power, do everything for him. Therefore, against their background, the child has no choice but to get an inferiority complex. He may try to rebel over time, breaking out of control, and trying to prove to the world that he exists and is capable of much on an equal basis with others. Or he will withdraw into himself, feeling helpless and depressed, subordinating to other, more knowledgeable and “bigger” people.

It also occurs due to hypoprotection, that is, lack of attention, love and care on the part of parents. And then the child takes responsibility for this “dislike”, believing that he simply does not deserve it, because he is not so “good”, “healthy”, “beautiful” and so on.

And although the name of this syndrome is masculine, it can also occur in women who are more masculine. That is, the qualities and traits inherent in the strong half of humanity. For example, when a woman occupies a leadership position, she simply needs to be restrained, show an iron will and be able to withstand competition and aggressiveness. And if she is small, pretty and fragile, then those around her may not take her seriously at first, which is why the syndrome will actively manifest itself.

Is it really that bad? ↑

Good news for short men. Modern scientists have given them "amnesty" from the ingrained public opinion: a short person is more aggressive. They proved that taller men are more prone to this destructive feeling.

Feeling afraid for no reason, what could it be? Read here.

10 short and 10 tall men were selected for the Air Force program at the University of Central Lancashire. They were asked to test their physical abilities and reaction speed; during the exercise, cardiac monitors recorded the level of aggression.

The participants fenced with sticks across the table, one of them deliberately trying to hit the other on the fingers. As a result of this game, it was revealed that tall men are more aggressive.

The scientist who led the study, Dr Michael Esley, said that “small man syndrome” is a myth. And the aggression of a short person in society is associated with height because he is the first thing that catches the eye.

Studying public opinion, researchers came to the conclusion: today, 80 percent of people, despite the fact that the myth has been dispelled, believe in the increased aggressiveness of short men. It has also not been proven that they earn less and are less liked by women than their tall rivals.

"Short Man Syndrome"

We can say with confidence that the existence of “short man syndrome”, which causes short men to be stereotyped as aggressive, is not supported by research. As you know, Gandhi was only 5 feet and 3 inches tall, and it would be difficult to find a less aggressive person in the world than him.

For every Hitler there is a Saddam Hussein (6 feet 2 inches), for every Napoleon there is Idi Amin (6 feet 4 inches), and for every Stalin there is an Osama bin Laden (6 feet 4 inches), all of whom are tall men with equally aggressive tendencies. Think also of such cute shorties as Ronnie Corbett, Mickey Rooney and Ernie Weiss, whom we can hardly call dictators. Short men sometimes actually have a lower chance of success - and, from their point of view, much less.

But in reality they are no more aggressive than their taller counterparts. Perhaps it's time to give shorties a chance - and provide a special platform for climbing the career ladder.

When they say “big man”, “little man”, they usually mean social position, social status. It is clear that the “big man” is a boss, a minister, a well-known and authoritative person, and also with a substantial financial fortune. However, some people literally associate these concepts with growth. First of all, these are those whom nature has deprived of great growth. These are not necessarily dwarfs, but simply people with below average height. This condition is called the “Napoleon complex”: it is believed that the French ruler was short in stature, so he was eager to conquer the world. Below we will show that this is not entirely true.

Napoleon believed he was dying from an illness inherited from his father

But expectations were not met, and the former emperor himself had serious health problems.

He gradually began to gain weight, weakness, heaviness in the stomach, and shortness of breath appeared. Soon headaches began, which after a short time did not go away and accompanied Napoleon until his death.

By the end of 1819, the emperor’s condition was already very serious - his complexion became gray, his eyes dimmed, and his interest in life disappeared. He was often tormented by diarrhea, abdominal pain, causeless thirst, and his legs were swollen. After eating, he experienced bouts of vomiting, and sometimes he even lost consciousness.

Napoleon's attending physician, François Carlo Antommarchi, believed that his patient was suffering from hepatitis. The emperor himself believed that we were talking about cancer - Napoleon's father Carlo Buonaparte , who was not even 40 years old, died from this disease.

Article on the topic

The main woman of the emperor. Why did Napoleon break up with Josephine?

In March 1821, Napoleon practically stopped getting out of bed. By his order, a bust of his son was placed in front of him, which he looked at for hours. On April 13, 1821, the deposed emperor, believing that his days were numbered, began writing his will, which, given his condition, took several days.

On May 1, Napoleon felt some improvement and even tried to get out of bed, but he again felt ill.

On the night of May 4-5, Bonaparte was in a semi-conscious state. Those close to him gathered at his bedside - all the signs said that there were only a few hours left before the end.

Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 5, 1821 at 17:49, at the age of 51. His original burial site was the "Geranium Valley" on St. Helena.

Napoleon on his deathbed. Vernet (1826) Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org