MARSHAL LOUIS N. DAVOUT AND THE ART OF COMMAND A ...

too seemed only to be small diversions from his true inspiration. Davout was unlike the other marshals and his motivation was not an external object or desire for wealth and glory. Davoutls motivation was an internalized selfless dedication to his own sense of duty. He did what he was suppose to because he felt it was the right thing to do not because the action would result in personal gain. This is that final attribute that galvanizes the art of command into an art to be emulated. Davout simply did what he thought was correct. He was a very introspective person who cared little of his outward appearance or what others thought about him. He only did what he, himself felt was the right thing to do. In this case the right thing to do "as to serve the French republic to the best of his abilities. Davoutls unflinching sense of duty was what set him apart from the others and truly made him one of the finest commanders. This was obvious when he once said, If the Emperor told Maret (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and myself to destroy Paris and everyone in it, Maret would keep the secret, but warn his family. I would not even warn my family for fear the secret might leak out .I1 That is an extreme example of 'Davout's selfless dedication to duty. The art of command coupled with this implacable concept of duty and selfless dedication is that which must be truly admired.