Q:

What does this metaphor mean: "You can die on St. Helena without being Napoleon."

Can someone tell what this metaphor means:

You can die on St. Helena without being Napoleon.

It seems to be related to history, and the life of Napoleon. I found this metaphor on Quora in Paul Fryant's answer to the question What is the most beautiful metaphor you have ever come across? What does it mean?

A:

Napoleon died in exile on St. Helena, but many people have died there without being Napoleon.
This is a metaphor for how various similarities to great figures do not mean you yourself are great.  It is impossible to tell without context, but it may additionally hold the connotation that the person is claiming greatness on the basis of being metaphorically exiled to St. Helena, that is, suffering because of the actions of others.

