The most important legacy, in my eyes, is Napoleonic Law. Not the details, but the innovative context that all laws must be in agreement with all laws. This truly explains European thinking and Enlightenment, while I have to laugh that Napoleon was all about power in which his self-crowning moment is not the highlight of Enlightenment.

When I moved to the United States, I realized within one year that the US did not have Napoleanic Law. Things were too disorganized, too beneficial for the elite.

It took me by surprise the US did not have Napoleonic Law because it was born in those same days of Enlightenment succeeding. I guess the other forces were just as much in play.

Canada is a fascinating example because the English speaking provinces have case law (basically, anything goes as long as someone in the past made a decision about subject matter X, cohesion among all is not required). Meanwhile, Quebec has French Law. That explains the anchor Canadians have. Not only must they accept a minority, but they must treat them in an enlightened way as well.

Chapeau, Napoleon, for giving this gift to Europe, even though I think you were more interested in being God in your own image than in being a human being.

Good article, Kai. Really well written.