Indeed, it was more absolute than the dictatorial power that Rousseau had outlined.

The philosopher had asserted that, while silencing the legislative power, the dictator really made it vocal, and that he could do everything but make laws.

But Napoleon, after 1802, did far more: he suppressed debates and yet drew laws from his subservient legislature.

Whether, then, we regard its practical importance for France and Europe, or limit our view to the mental sagacity and indomitable will-power required for its accomplishment, the triumph of Napoleon in the three years subsequent to his return from Egypt is the most stupendous recorded in the history of civilized peoples.
The populace consoled itself for the loss of political liberty by the splendour of the fete which heralded the title of First Consul for Life, proclaimed on August 15th: that day was also memorable as being the First Consul's thirty-third birthday, the festival of the Assumption, and the anniversary of the ratification of the Concordat.
The decorations and fireworks were worthy of so remarkable a confluence of solemnities.

High on one of the towers of Notre Dame glittered an enormous star, and at its centre there shone the sign of the Zodiac which had shed its influence over his first hours of life.
The myriads of spectators who gazed at that natal emblem might well have thought that his life's star was now at its zenith.