Chapter 296
The Patient General's Vindication
Kutúzov like all old people did not sleep much at night. He often fell asleep unexpectedly in the daytime, but at night, lying on his bed without undressing, he generally remained awake thinking. So he lay now on his bed, supporting his large, heavy, scarred head on his plump hand, with his one eye open, meditating and peering into the darkness. Since Bennigsen, who corresponded with the Emperor and had more influence than anyone else on the staff, had begun to avoid him, Kutúzov was more at ease as to the possibility of himself and his troops being obliged to…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Pressure Points
Think of a current situation where you feel pressured to act quickly. Draw two columns: 'Voices Pushing for Action' and 'Reasons to Wait.' List who's pressuring you and why, then identify what patience might accomplish that rushing cannot. Finally, write one sentence describing what your 'green apple' moment might look like.
Consider:
- •Notice whether the pressure comes from people who will face the consequences of failure
- •Consider whether the urgency is real or manufactured by anxiety
- •Ask yourself what you would advise a friend in the same situation
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you either rushed into action under pressure and regretted it, or held back despite criticism and were later vindicated. What did that experience teach you about trusting your own judgment?
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