"It is possible to lead astray an entire generation, to strike it blind, to drive it insane, to direct it towards a false goal. Napoleon proved this"

Alexander Herzen's quote is a warning about the power of a leader to control an entire generation. He referrals Napoleon as an example of someone who was able to lead a whole generation astray, blinding them to the fact, driving them crazy, and leading them towards a false objective. Herzen's quote works as a tip of the potential for a leader to have an unfavorable influence on a generation, and the importance of being aware of the power of a leader. It is a pointer to be alert and to question the motives of those in power, and to be knowledgeable about the potential for control. Herzen's quote is an alerting to be aware of the power of a leader, and to be mindful of the capacity for manipulation. It is a tip to be watchful and to question the intentions of those in power, and to be familiar with the potential for adjustment.