Napoleon's decisive-battle risk logic

Napoleon sought the comprehensive defeat of an opposing army as the route to political results. He accepted vulnerability on his flanks and rear to concentrate strength at a weak point, but waited until he judged the moment and balance of force to be right. Combining political and military authority let him act without lengthy consultation, while victory, confidence, and troop loyalty increased his opponents' apprehension. His maxims turn that practice into lessons about time, space, morale, perseverance, enemy intentions, and the value of allowing an opponent to continue making a mistake. His aggression involved calculated risks tied to concentration and political purpose.