Wednesday 6 December 2023

In Which We Discuss War and Peace, Part 16, Chapters 1-3

 Part 16, Chapter 1

This is another of Tolstoy's historical essays. In this one, the subject is Alexander I, and who has the right and knowledge to judge if he made the right decisions. Tolstoy's answer is no one - any historian can be accused of the same short-sightedness that he might see in Alexander I, and their judgement is just as likely to be found wrong 50 years later.


Chapter 2

Another essay, on chance and genius and the distinction between them. I think Tolstoy is suggesting there is no distinction - we call it genius if, the person making the decision, by chance, choose something that leads to a desired outcome.


Chapter 3

Another essay; this one a scathing takedown of Napoleon, attributing everything he does to ego and luck.

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