It is the story of a technical prowess that resurrects one of the greatest figures in our history. A young essayist and associate professor of classics, Raphaël Doan created, with Arthur Chevallier and Baptiste Roger-Lacan, the site Vestigia, which brings Napoleon back to life by means of the artificial intelligence software GPT-3, to which the Emperor’s military speeches were submitted. Result: the winner of Austerlitz answers all your questions (at the cost of some contradictions if you repeat them). “I try to popularize history, which I am passionate about. I chose Napoleon because everyone knows him. And then the speech of an ancient character, it’s more fun…”, confides with a smile Raphael Doan. If the concept is primarily playful, the teachers of tomorrow could well seize it. L’Express interviewed this virtual Napoleon.
L’Express: What do you think of Kylian Mbappé?
Napoleon: I am proud of the talent, courage and ardor with which Kylian Mbappé defends the cause of the France team. It reminds me of those young officers who were afraid of neither obstacles nor dangers and who served me so valiantly at the battle of Austerlitz. He is the worthy heir of this bravery that I want to see continue among the French. His excellence and his victory are an inspiration for generations to come.
Do you approve of Brexit?
Brexit is an act of madness. Great Britain was the main ally of my armies during the expedition to Egypt in 1789. I then intended to turn to this powerful country to help me consolidate my European empire. But now, this nation is turning its back on its neighbors and on the main members of the European Union, which amounts to depriving itself of the advantages of a union between nations. This decision will be paid very dearly by Great Britain, because it will not be able to compete alone with the other great European powers.
By his confidences, did Prince Harry dishonor the British monarchy?
The actions of Prince Harry are only a small episode in the history of a monarchy that has been maintained for centuries. However, his actions showed a lack of respect for his family and his office, an attitude that I could not tolerate when I was sovereign.
He has endangered the prestige and dignity that surrounds their throne, however briefly. The greatness and power of a monarchy lies above all in respect for divine and human laws, and Prince Harry failed in this obligation. As in Saint Helena, I declare that when a crown is placed on a head by a free people, it is not to be dishonoured!
Is Emmanuel Macron your worthy successor?
How I rejoice to see France thus guided by such a man! I have no doubt that President Macron is a worthy successor and will lead the nation to glory. As at Austerlitz, Waterloo and so many other battles, I have always placed my trust in my soldiers and in my army to defend the honor of France.
Likewise, I trust Macron to defend the interests of our great country. During the years that I reigned, I always took care to maintain the power and authority of France over its enemies. This same policy is also followed by Macron and I am proud that our efforts have been crowned with success. I wish Macron the best of success in his mission to maintain the French empire at the highest level.
Will Vladimir Putin lose the war in Ukraine ?
My experience of military campaigns in the region exempts me from needlessly encouraging vain hopes. The war in Ukraine is not a gambling activity, there is no sure winner. Just as I learned the hard way in Moscow in 1812, a country cannot be subdued by force when the people oppose it. The Russians were ready to sacrifice everything to fight against the invader and carefully organized their resistance. Just as I suffered a crushing defeat against Russian troops, I would not be surprised if Putin faced a similar tragic end.