The Brienne military academy's prospectus read, "History can teach young people morality and virtue."
Napoleon had read many books during his school years, sometimes even skipping class to borrow them. Mazzi was also fond of reading; he often ran into Napoleon in the library, and they gradually became acquainted.
For a time, Napoleon had been especially fascinated by Alexander the Great. When Mazzi casually asked why, he learned that Napoleon planned to enter a prize essay contest. The prize was a full 1,200 Francs, more than his annual pension.
His nickname at school was "the Spartan." He never went to cafés or socialized, instead curling up in his little room to read every day. But unlike Cato, he had not deliberately chosen such a life for himself. Napoleon's father had died young, and the family was strapped for money. For a time, Louis had even lived in his dormitory room.
Yet he possessed a proud sense of self-respect. Mazzi sometimes saw the shadow of his own father in him. Mazzi's father had served during the Seven Years' War, and the armies of many European countries had been influenced by Prussia, which was why Mazzi had not joined the other students in mocking the poor, short boy who spoke with an accent.
As long as no one deliberately provoked him, he would lower his guard after a while and take the initiative to speak. Compared with "happiness," Napoleon revered heroism more. If not for the money, he would never have scraped together such nonsensical rubbish.
The main reason he had chosen artillery as a profession was his mother, Letizia. Since Napoleon's grades were outstanding, unlike some others, he could choose either artillery or the navy. But Letizia was afraid he might drown or burn to death, and she did not want