Today I read the essay Napoleon; or, Man of the World written in 1850 by the transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson in his collection Essays and Poems.  Besides having the merit of one of the greatest essays I've ever read (many of his are boring), he within demonstrates a principle I years ago christened the "Alexander the Great syndrome."

The excerpt:  Before he fought a battle, Bonaparte thought little about what he should do in case of success, but a great deal about what he should do in case of a reverse of fortune.  The same prudence and good sense mark all his behavior.  His instructions to his secretary at the Tuileries are worth remembering.  "During the night, enter my chamber as seldom as possible.  Do not awake me when you have any good news to communicate; with that there is no hurry.  But when you bring bad news, rouse me instantly, for then there is not a moment to be lost."  It was whimsical economy of the same kind which dictated his practice, when general in Italy, in regard to his burdensome correspondence.  He directed Bourrienne to leave all letters unopened for three weeks, and then observed with satisfaction how large a part of the correspondence had thus disposed of itself and no longer required an answer.  His achievement of business was immense, and enlarges the known powers of man.  There have been many working kings, from Ulysses to William of Orange, but none who accomplished a tithe of this man's performance.

Legend has it that Alexander the Great (me speaking now) broke down and wept when he discovered he had no worlds left to conquer. I think that an inability to settle, appreciate success, and decelerate ambition is the characteristic of many greatly accomplished men and women. Rather than saying "I am fully sated" after a hearty and delicious meal, the person "struggling with greatness," as Steinbeck says, is mentally preoccupied with the details of the next meal. 

If you care to read the essay:  http://www.emersoncentral.com/napoleon.htm