Chapter 177
The Dangerous Expert
This letter had not yet been presented to the Emperor when Barclay, one day at dinner, informed Bolkónski that the sovereign wished to see him personally, to question him about Turkey, and that Prince Andrew was to present himself at Bennigsen’s quarters at six that evening. News was received at the Emperor’s quarters that very day of a fresh movement by Napoleon which might endanger the army—news subsequently found to be false. And that morning Colonel Michaud had ridden round the Drissa fortifications with the Emperor and had pointed out to him that this fortified camp constructed by Pfuel, and…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Spot the Pfuel in Your Life
Think of someone in your life who makes decisions affecting you but has never actually done your job or lived your situation. Write down their title, their typical advice, and then contrast it with what someone who's actually lived the experience would say differently. This could be a manager, healthcare administrator, policy maker, or family member giving life advice.
Consider:
- •Look for people whose confidence increases when their advice doesn't work out
- •Notice who blames 'implementation' when their ideas fail rather than questioning the ideas themselves
- •Pay attention to how they respond when you share practical concerns about their suggestions
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to follow advice from someone who'd never been in your situation. How did it work out? What would you tell someone facing a similar Pfuel today?
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