Chapter 248
The Empty Victory
Kutúzov’s order to retreat through Moscow to the Ryazán road was issued at night on the first of September. The first troops started at once, and during the night they marched slowly and steadily without hurry. At daybreak, however, those nearing the town at the Dorogomílov bridge saw ahead of them masses of soldiers crowding and hurrying across the bridge, ascending on the opposite side and blocking the streets and alleys, while endless masses of troops were bearing down on them from behind, and an unreasoning hurry and alarm overcame them. They all rushed forward to the bridge, onto it,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Test Your Victory
Think of a recent 'win' in your life - a goal you achieved, a problem you solved, or something you finally got. Now imagine you're Napoleon's scout, sent to investigate what you actually won. Write down what the victory looks like from the outside, then what it actually gives you in practice.
Consider:
- •Are the people involved genuinely engaged, or just going through the motions?
- •Does this achievement give you real influence or just the appearance of success?
- •What would you need to see or hear to know this victory has substance behind it?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you got something you wanted but it felt empty once you had it. What were the warning signs you might have missed? How would you approach a similar situation differently now?
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