Chapter 283
When Orders Go Missing
Bennigsen’s note and the Cossack’s information that the left flank of the French was unguarded were merely final indications that it was necessary to order an attack, and it was fixed for the fifth of October. On the morning of the fourth of October Kutúzov signed the dispositions. Toll read them to Ermólov, asking him to attend to the further arrangements. “All right—all right. I haven’t time just now,” replied Ermólov, and left the hut. The dispositions drawn up by Toll were very good. As in the Austerlitz dispositions, it was written—though not in German this time: “The First Column…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Own Missing Person Pattern
Think about the important people in your life—bosses, landlords, family members, service providers. Make a list of who tends to disappear when you need them most. For each person, write down what they're usually avoiding and what you could do differently next time to protect yourself from their vanishing act.
Consider:
- •Look for patterns in timing—do they disappear before deadlines, during conflicts, or when money is involved?
- •Consider whether their absence is truly accidental or strategically convenient for them
- •Think about what backup plans you could create so their disappearance doesn't become your crisis
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone's convenient absence left you holding the bag. How did it affect you, and what would you do differently if faced with the same situation today?
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