This headline isn’t there just to attract attention. These two historical figures were mostly different from each other but nonetheless, they shared certain traits. Both were royalty at a certain point in time, lived in a secluded place, and possessed an unmatched magnetism. Napoleon ascended to the French throne and thus became emperor. Buddha was born into a ruler’s family. 

His father was the leader of the Shakya clan that inhabited eastern India. Napoleon was sent into exile in 1814 to the island of St. Helena where he eventually died. Buddha left his luxurious lifestyle and transformed into an ascetic monk when he was only 29. Napoleon managed to build trust in an instant with all his soldiers and they were naturally inclined to follow him. Buddha had such an aura around him that people from all walks of life made themselves his disciples.