Sometimes powerful people just do dumb shit
joanwestenberg.com
April 14, 2026
10 min read
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61/100
Summary
Napoleon Bonaparte led 685,000 soldiers into Russia in June 1812, marking the largest military force in European history at that time. This campaign is considered one of the most significant military failures.
Key Takeaways
- Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Russia in 1812 resulted in the loss of approximately 500,000 soldiers due to starvation, exposure, and capture, marking a significant military failure.
- Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion led to a drastic decline in the company's value, losing about 80% under his ownership.
- Musk was found liable for misleading investors during the Twitter acquisition, highlighting the consequences of his management decisions.
- The article critiques the tendency of some individuals to rationalize poor decisions by powerful figures as part of a hidden strategy, exemplified by the reactions to Musk's actions.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · joanwestenberg.com
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Community Sentiment
Positives
- Powerful individuals, despite their mistakes, often contribute significantly to society, showcasing a complex mix of achievements and failures that reflect human nature.
- The scrutiny faced by powerful people can lead to a distorted perception of their actions, making it essential to recognize their broader contributions.
Concerns
- The actions of powerful individuals often have outsized consequences, such as moving markets or distorting public discourse, highlighting the need for greater accountability.
- Many powerful people seem to operate without a moral compass, raising concerns about the ethical implications of their decisions and the systems that protect them.
