Habits of Churchill, Lessons from Napoleon, & The Holy Fire Inside Great Leaders — Andrew Roberts

National Pride and Cultural Changes

• There is a growing pessimism about Britain's future, partly due to a decline in national pride. In 2015, 86% of people were proud of British history, but this has fallen to 56%, influenced by negative perceptions of the British Empire and a focus on its negative aspects rather than its contributions, such as the abolition of slavery. (0s)
• Concerns are also expressed about cultural changes in the United States, such as the removal of Thomas Jefferson's statue from New York City Hall, which is seen as a form of cultural suicide. Despite Jefferson's ownership of slaves, his role in writing the U.S. Constitution and standing against the British Empire is highlighted as deserving admiration. (1m35s)

Conversation with Andrew Roberts

• The video features a conversation with historian and author Andrew Roberts, discussing his creative process and lessons from historical figures like Napoleon and Churchill. (2m31s)
• Andrew Roberts shares a personal anecdote about being expelled from school for climbing buildings while drunk, which led to a humorous remark from his wife about his life achievements. (3m18s)

MI6 Recruitment at Cambridge

• During the mid-1980s, there was an approach to recruit individuals from Cambridge University for MI6, despite the university's history of producing some of the worst spies in the 1930s. (4m19s)
• The recruitment process for MI6 involved answering numerous questions quickly, including both expected questions like ordering the longest rivers and unexpected ones like ranking social titles. (5m27s)
• A college Don at Cambridge, who had been interviewed by MI6, was asked if Andrew was a kind person, to which he responded negatively. This response was marked positively by the interviewer, suggesting that not being kind was seen as desirable for MI6 candidates. (6m20s)

Inspirational History Teachers

• Christopher Perry, an inspirational history teacher at prep school, taught history in a narrative style, focusing on great events and battles. He was described as a kind man, unlike the typical MI6 candidate. (7m1s)
• Perry's teaching style was characterized by presenting history as an exciting and true story, using engaging methods like adopting the voices of historical figures to captivate students. (8m1s)
• A teacher's extraordinary method of teaching involved testing students on 300 dates at the end of each term, with all students achieving at least 298 correct answers, showcasing an inspirational approach to learning (8m33s).
• The teacher's unorthodox methods, such as sitting cross-legged on the desk, were effective in capturing the students' attention, despite appearing over-the-top (9m1s).

Notable Authors and Books

• A rented library features books by notable authors, including Robert Caro, who managed to make urban development interesting, and Neil Ferguson, who wrote about the topic in his book "Colossus" (9m22s).
• Neil Ferguson is credited with introducing the speaker to the show, having recommended it due to its large audience and good sense of humor (10m1s).

Writing History and Avoiding Ambiguity

• When writing history, it's essential to avoid using words like "perhaps," "maybe," and "probably," as they can come across as "cheat words," implying a lack of thorough research and undermining the reader's trust (10m25s).
• Instead, historians can use phrases like "it is said that" or "the story is told that" to hint to the reader that a particular story may not be entirely true but is still worth sharing (11m14s).

Steady Nerves and Self-Control in Leaders

• Steady nerves and self-control are crucial in crisis situations, as demonstrated by historical figures like Napoleon and Churchill, who were educated in war and had the intellectual background and training to handle increasing responsibilities (12m7s).
• The development of steady nerves and self-control can be attributed to a combination of nature and nurture, with both Napoleon and Churchill having received military education and training that prepared them for leadership roles (12m10s).

Self-Confidence and Belief in Righteousness

• Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great possessed a self-confidence that enabled them to make significant decisions, driven by a deep belief in the righteousness of their actions, which was more a result of nurture than nature. This belief was so strong that it allowed them to remain undisturbed by the consequences of their actions, such as the deaths of friends. (12m41s)

Literary Influences on Churchill and Napoleon

• Winston Churchill was an avid reader and autodidact who did not attend university. During his early years in India, he read extensively, including works by historians Edward Gibbon and Thomas Babington Macaulay, which influenced his writing, oratory, and philosophical outlook. (14m3s)
• Napoleon Bonaparte was also deeply influenced by literature, writing short stories and books. His extensive reading in his youth somewhat isolated him from his peers, similar to Churchill's experience. (14m39s)
• The philosophical influences on Churchill, particularly from Gibbon and Macaulay, shaped him into what was known as a Whig, akin to a liberal conservative, who believed in the concept of "noblesse oblige," the idea that privilege comes with the duty to serve the greater good. (15m25s)

Napoleon's Military Genius

• Napoleon is described as the prime exemplar of war leadership due to his ability to excel in all aspects of military command. Despite setbacks in the last years of his career, he demonstrated extraordinary capacity by winning multiple victories even when retreating or defending, such as during the 1814 campaign. (16m22s)
• Napoleon Bonaparte had a strategic mind for military conquest, capable of attacking from various positions, and played a significant role in revolutionizing French society through initiatives like the Code Napoleon, which were not originally revolutionary concepts but rather Napoleonic ones. (17m8s)
• Napoleon's success in warfare was attributed to both inspiration and hard work, as he dedicated time to studying military strategy and tactics, including the works of the Comte de Guibert, whose ideas he implemented effectively. (18m21s)
• He developed the corps system, which involved creating mini armies that could march separately and converge for battle, allowing for strategic maneuvers such as enveloping the enemy. This system was so effective that the Allies only began to defeat Napoleon after adopting it themselves. (19m14s)
• Napoleon believed in appealing to the soul to motivate his troops, using personal gestures like giving medals to soldiers on the battlefield, contrasting with the Duke of Wellington, who did not focus on inspiring his men but was still respected for his care for their lives and his undefeated record in battle. (20m21s)
• Napoleon Bonaparte, before the Battle of the Pyramids in 1799, invoked the long history of Egypt to inspire his soldiers, a technique also used by Winston Churchill, who frequently referenced historical events in his speeches during 1940 to rally the British people. (21m33s)

Churchill's Use of History

• Churchill often drew on historical figures like Francis Drake and Horatio Nelson, as well as events from World War I, to instill confidence in Britain's resilience, leveraging his reputation as a historian and biographer. (22m34s)
• Churchill's autobiography, "My Early Life," is recommended for young people as it contains valuable life lessons, particularly on resilience, despite his challenging relationship with his parents. (22m52s)
• The book highlights the importance of youth, suggesting that mistakes made between the ages of 20 and 25 are more easily forgiven, and recounts Churchill's adventurous experiences, such as his escape from prison and participation in a cavalry charge. (23m36s)

Risk-Taking and Napoleon's Strategies

• Napoleon's ability to implement significant changes, like the Napoleonic Code, was partly due to his position as Emperor of France, but also because of his willingness to take risks, a trait he shared with Churchill's view that risks are more acceptable at a young age. (24m58s)
• Napoleon Bonaparte was a significant risk-taker, often attacking when other generals would retreat. He was fortunate to be fighting older Austrian generals in their 70s while he was only 26. He strategically targeted the hinge between enemy forces, such as the Austrians and Sardinians, to push them back along their supply lines. (25m39s)
• Napoleon effectively used psychology to understand and outmaneuver opposing generals. He was adept at selecting trustworthy lieutenants and divisional commanders and had an excellent sense of timing in battles. (26m19s)
• Despite taking numerous calculated risks, Napoleon's strategies often succeeded, as evidenced by his success in the Italian campaign where he won 19 out of 20 battles. He believed in the importance of luck and would promote individuals he considered lucky, although this approach eventually failed with his decision to march on Moscow in 1812. (27m0s)

Learning from History

• Aldous Huxley, in a letter from Los Angeles in 1959, expressed the idea that one of the most important lessons of history is that men do not learn much from it. This sentiment is reflected upon frequently by the recipient of the letter, who is an admirer of Huxley's work. (28m19s)

Destiny and Leadership

• Winston Churchill felt a profound sense of personal destiny, believing that his entire life had prepared him for the moment he became Prime Minister on the same day Hitler invaded Belgium, Luxembourg, and Holland. (30m0s)
• Churchill's belief in destiny was influenced by his numerous close brushes with death, which made his sense of being chosen by fate seem less irrational. (30m56s)
• Napoleon Bonaparte also believed in a guiding star and considered luck as something to be courted, although he felt abandoned by it in 1812. Both Churchill and Napoleon were inspired by historical figures like Caesar and Alexander the Great, who also had a strong sense of personal destiny. (31m11s)
• The day Churchill became Prime Minister, May 10, 1940, was significant as it marked a turning point in World War II, with Hitler's invasion of the West and the British cabinet's decision to replace Neville Chamberlain with Churchill. (32m22s)
• Adolf Hitler also had a sense of destiny, believing in Providence and luck, especially after surviving assassination attempts, which he interpreted as being watched over by greater forces. (33m45s)
• Hitler believed he was being watched over by Providence after surviving an assassination attempt on July 20, 1944, which led him to think he was destined to save the Fatherland and the Reich (33m57s).
• This mindset can be seen in other leaders, such as David Koresh and Jim Jones, who used it to manipulate their followers, but it can also be a genuine belief that drives leaders to achieve greatness (34m25s).

Learning from Mistakes

• Churchill and Napoleon, despite their greatness, had weaknesses and pathologies, but a key factor in their success was their ability to learn from their mistakes (34m57s).
• Churchill made several mistakes, including getting female suffrage wrong, the abdication crisis, joining the gold standard at the wrong time, and the Dardanelles crisis, but he learned from each of these mistakes (35m7s).
• Churchill's ability to learn from his mistakes was likely due to his self-awareness, reflection, and the fact that he was in a democratic system where he was constantly criticized and had to defend his actions (35m49s).
• Napoleon also learned from his mistakes, including his military career, and his decision to march on Moscow was not necessarily hubristic, but rather a strategic error (36m21s).
• The ability to learn from mistakes is crucial for leaders, and democracy can play a role in preventing hubris and pomposity by providing a system of checks and balances (36m14s).

Keeping a Diary

• The speaker keeps a diary, which is a source of anxiety for their friends and enemies, but they see it as a harmless habit (37m45s).
• The discussion highlights the importance of documenting daily experiences and interactions, especially when meeting influential figures like President Xi or Benjamin Netanyahu, to avoid regrets about not keeping a record. (38m5s)
• Writing books and maintaining a diary are seen as ways to ensure one's life is not wasted and to leave a lasting legacy. (38m51s)
• There is a humorous concern about how diary entries might embarrass friends like Neil Ferguson in the future, but the intention is to capture amusing and intelligent remarks. (39m10s)
• The practice of keeping a diary is discussed, with a preference for writing entries the morning after events to avoid issues with illegible handwriting due to drinking. (40m21s)
• Diary entries are not made daily but only when something interesting occurs, with a maximum of 500 words focusing on the most noteworthy part of the day. (40m46s)
• The routine of writing diary entries is typically done in the morning, often in a relaxed setting with pajamas, slippers, and a cup of coffee. (41m45s)

The Creative Process and Flow

• When working on a difficult chapter, it's essential to maintain the flow of creativity and not waste time on non-essential activities, even if it means going without personal hygiene for a few days, to keep thoughts in order and capture the complexity of the subject matter (42m17s).
• The flow of creativity is crucial when writing about historical events, such as Winston Churchill's experiences on May 10, 1940, where every minute counts, and the writer must encapsulate the importance of the day in their mind to convey it to the reader effectively (42m52s).
• The flow of writing is a delicate process, and interrupting it can be detrimental, especially when juggling multiple complex ideas, as it can take a long time to get back into the rhythm of creativity (44m4s).

The Importance of an Objective Eye

• It's essential to have an objective eye when reviewing one's work, as the writer may be too close to the material and think something is brilliant when it's actually rubbish, and it's helpful to have a proofreader or publisher who can provide an objective perspective (44m42s).
• Having a trusted proofreader or publisher can serve as a sanity check, and in this case, the person is Steuart Profit, who is considered the most brilliant publisher (45m28s).

Stuart Prophet's Feedback

• A person known as Stuart Prophet is described as both brilliant and irritating, earning the nickname "Professor Perfect" due to his professorial demeanor. (45m31s)
• Stuart Prophet provides feedback on historical writing, often questioning details such as the width of the River Po in 1796 and whether Napoleon took Herodotus to Egypt, which reflects his commitment to understanding the reader's perspective. (46m31s)
• Stuart is praised for his logical thinking and attention to syntax, often pointing out issues with sentence rhythm or unintended rhymes, which can be both helpful and infuriating. (47m57s)
• Despite occasional disagreements, such as over the humor of a particular joke, the feedback from Stuart is highly valued, and he has been providing such feedback for 40 years, being at the top of his field. (48m31s)
• Stuart's approach involves sending back extensive questions and criticisms on drafts, which sometimes makes the author feel that Stuart's name should be on the book cover due to his significant contributions. (49m21s)

Napoleon Book Cover and Mythic Status

• The concept for the cover of a book about Napoleon involved using a large "N" with bees, which was initially met with skepticism but turned out to be a brilliant idea. The bees symbolized Napoleon's ability to both sting and provide honey, capturing the public's imagination and leading to significant sales success, with the book selling half a million copies. (49m34s)
• Historical figures often achieve mythic status due to characteristics like charisma, charm, and sexiness, which are difficult to convey in writing but significantly impact public interest. These traits make people more likely to follow and be interested in such figures. (51m21s)
• The difficulty in explaining the charisma and charm of historical figures is highlighted using the example of an unassuming American president who managed to save the country during a civil war and was assassinated afterward. This illustrates how some figures capture public attention while others do not. (52m2s)
• Being a leader during a war, as seen with figures like Lincoln, Churchill, and Napoleon, increases the likelihood of becoming a world historical figure. In contrast, leaders in peaceful times, such as a prime minister of Luxembourg, have a harder time achieving such status. There is no definitive formula for why some historical figures become legendary while others fade into obscurity. (53m1s)

Ozymandias and the Nature of Legacy

• The poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is referenced, which describes a ruined statue of a long-forgotten king with the inscription "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look upon my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" (53m39s)
• The poem's theme of impermanence and the fleeting nature of human achievement is discussed, with the speaker noting that even the mighty Ozymandias's statue has crumbled, leaving only his words behind (54m6s)
• The speaker reflects on the idea of legacy and whether it is worth aspiring to have something last and stand the test of time, considering that one will not be around to know if their work endures (56m6s)
• The speaker, a historian, admits to wanting their books to be read long after they have died, despite acknowledging the illogical nature of this desire, and notes that words are one of the few things that can live on forever (56m25s)
• The speaker highlights the contrast between Ozymandias's ruined statue and the enduring power of his words, which continue to evoke emotions and ideas in readers (57m0s)
• The idea that humans are all grasping for immortality in one way or another is discussed, with the speaker suggesting that the desire for legacy is a fundamental aspect of human nature (57m21s)

Reading Habits and Preferences

• The speaker mentions that they do read fiction, particularly when on holiday, and enjoys hiking with their wife in mountainous regions (57m25s)
• To clear his brain, he reads detective novels, specifically complicated ones like Robert Goddard's, and tries to solve the mystery by making notes and connections between characters (57m53s).
• Occasionally, he reads high culture novels, especially when authors like William Boyd or Salman Rushdie are attending the Clon literary festival, which he is the president of (58m41s).
• He also reads books by writers like Michel Houellebecq, a French author known for being great, yet controversial and unpopular in France, and suggests starting with "The Map and the Territory" (59m39s).
• Houellebecq is considered a genius, but his writing is often politically incorrect, and he doesn't care about the consequences of what he writes (59m56s).

Objectivity in Imperial History

• When writing about imperial history, it's essential to be genuinely objective and not assume that all white people who went abroad did so solely to exploit and harm others (1h0m26s).
• Many people, especially during the latter part of the British Empire, were driven by a sense of duty to make the world a better place for others, including missionaries, Christians, explorers, and those involved in agriculture (1h0m55s).
• While some people were undoubtedly driven by greed and rapacity, the Marxist analysis of imperialism oversimplifies the complexities of the British Empire's history (1h1m22s).
• The British Empire was a force for human good for a significant period, rather than purely evil (1h1m45s).

Concerns about History Education

• There is a concern about the way history is being taught and perceived, particularly in Britain, where fewer people are taking history as a subject at the university level, and there is a lack of emphasis on important intervening stages of history, such as the Stuarts, the Civil War, and the Hanoverians. (1h1m56s)
• A survey of British teenagers found that 20% thought Winston Churchill was a fictional character, and 20% believed the American War of Independence was won by the British, highlighting the need for improvement in history teaching. (1h2m40s)
• Studying history can be beneficial as it provides a deeper understanding of the past, its complexities, and the people involved, and can also help individuals develop critical thinking and analytical skills. (1h3m30s)
• History can be unpredictable, and new discoveries or perspectives can change one's understanding of a particular period, making it a constantly evolving field of study. (1h3m39s)
• The study of history can also challenge preconceived notions and force individuals to reevaluate their understanding of historical figures, such as Oliver Cromwell, who may not be as solid or principled as previously thought. (1h4m5s)
• Personal experiences, such as having a family member who studied history, can also spark an interest in the subject and make it more accessible and enjoyable. (1h5m14s)
• History can be a fascinating and beautiful subject, but it may not be taught or presented in a way that makes it appealing to everyone, which can lead to a lack of interest or understanding. (1h5m41s)

The Importance of Studying History

• Winston Churchill emphasized the importance of studying history, suggesting that it holds the secrets of statecraft, as illustrated by an encounter in June 1953 when he advised a young American student to study history for a better understanding of statecraft. (1h7m32s)
• The concept of statecraft involves managing a country by balancing diplomatic, military, economic, cultural, and religious aspects to shape the nation as desired. (1h8m41s)
• There is a reflection on the historical figures and events, including a mention of a biography written about King George III, highlighting the importance of understanding past leaders and their impact. (1h9m16s)

Pessimism about the UK's Future

• There is a concern about the future of the UK, with a pessimistic view on its trajectory, partly due to the political use of history, while the United States is seen as still rich and innovative. (1h9m48s)
• In 2015, 86% of people were proud of British history, but this number has since fallen to 56%, likely due to a sustained attack on the British Empire and a focus on its negative aspects rather than its achievements, such as the abolition of slavery (1h10m13s).
• This decline in national pride can make it difficult for people to be optimistic about their country's future, as they are not proud of their past or their ancestors' accomplishments (1h11m10s).
• The removal of historical statues, such as Thomas Jefferson's, can be seen as a form of cultural suicide, as it breaks the link with the past and disregards the positive contributions of the individuals being honored (1h11m25s).
• Admiring the founders of a nation, despite their flaws, is essential to understanding and appreciating the country's history and development (1h11m36s).

Balancing Pessimism and Optimism

• Being a pessimist is a characteristic often associated with being a Tory, but it is possible to balance pessimism with optimism by surrounding oneself with people who have a more positive outlook (1h12m15s).
• Having people around who can offer a different perspective, such as a spouse who is optimistic about the future, can be invigorating and help to offset pessimistic tendencies (1h13m33s).
• Exposure to different viewpoints, such as those that highlight the positive aspects of capitalism and innovation, can help to create a more balanced and less pessimistic outlook (1h13m59s).

Co-authoring "Conflict"

• A book titled "Conflict" was co-authored by Andrew Roberts and David Petraeus, focusing on the evolution of warfare from 1945 to the present, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. (1h14m52s)
• David Petraeus, a general with experience commanding large armies in Iraq and Afghanistan, contributed his military insights to the book, while Andrew Roberts, a military historian, provided historical context. (1h14m55s)
• The book covers approximately 40 key wars since 1945, highlighting how warfare has evolved, with Petraeus writing about countries he has been involved with and Roberts covering the rest. (1h15m55s)
• The collaboration involved extensive communication, with hundreds or thousands of emails exchanged over the course of a year, driven by the rapidly changing situation in Ukraine and the outbreak of the Gaza war. (1h16m28s)
• Mutual respect and the combination of Petraeus's firsthand military experience and Roberts's historical expertise were key to the successful collaboration, providing a stimulating intellectual experience. (1h17m25s)

The Battle Against Boredom

• Life is described as a constant battle against boredom and a challenge to remain stimulated. (1h18m31s)

Upcoming Books

• Upcoming books include "Napoleon and his Marshals," focusing on the interactions between Napoleon and his marshals, who had contentious relationships with each other, making it an interesting historical narrative. (1h18m47s)
• Another future book will be about Disraeli, an extraordinary character who, despite being an outsider as a Jew and not attending prestigious schools or universities, became a powerful figure through his brilliance and wit. (1h19m10s)
• The book on Disraeli is expected to be published in 2030. (1h19m39s)

Finding Andrew Roberts Online

• Andrew Roberts can be found online at andreenroberts.net and on Twitter, where he shares content like his podcast. (1h19m53s)

Conclusion

• The conversation concludes with expressions of gratitude and a reminder to be kind to others and oneself. (1h20m47s)