The Power of Interpretation and Reaction

Events we label "good luck" or "bad luck" are up to us to interpret and manage. It's tied to our outlook on life, or in other words, our character. The following two examples illustrate this beautifully.

After conquering the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great began a campaign in 332 BC to seize Egypt in Africa. Upon his entry into Egypt, he fell to the ground. However, he turned this adverse situation to his advantage by declaring, "I have captured Africa," thereby boosting the morale of his troops. This simple act shows that Alexander was a great military leader and an extraordinary motivator.

On the other hand, Napoleon Bonaparte fell from his horse in 1815 during the Battle of Waterloo. This event was interpreted by many soldiers as a bad omen, leading to a drop in morale. Napoleon couldn't turn this adverse situation to his advantage and was defeated at Waterloo. This shows that even if one is a military genius, sometimes a minor adversity can have significant consequences.

In conclusion, what determines how events in our lives play out is how we interpret and react to them. The reactions of Alexander and Napoleon to these two similar events are a perfect reflection of their characters and leadership styles. It shows that success depends not only on external factors but also on individual attitude and determination.