Last night I was reading this passage: "The council of war, at which Prince Andrei had not managed to speak out his opinion as he had hoped to, left in him a vague and disturbing impression. Who was right -- Dolgorukov and Weyrother, or Kutuzov and Langeron and the others who did not approve of the plan of attack -- he did not know... Can it really be that, for court and personal considerations, tens of thousands of lives must be risked -- and my own, my life he thought."He is witnessing the commander in chief with all the column leaders, discussing whether or not to attack Napoleon's army. Prince Andrei and a few others are aware that this is a half-baked plan but either do not speak up (fear of some sort) or are not paying attention to the discussion. He is realizing that this decision will affect so many people, perhaps even himself, yet the decision-makers seem so egotistical or disinterested.
It rings true how so much is decided by leaders with limited information and even less wisdom who also have their own agendas. This is Tolstoy at his best -- reaching the universal truths. -- Lola
Lola Baltzell
from page 221-222 of original text
collage, acrylic paint
made 5/21/10
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