War and Peace Ch. 322: True Leadership Against

Summary

In 1812 and 1813 Kutuzov is openly accused of blundering. The Emperor is dissatisfied. An official history calls him a cunning court liar, frightened of Napoleon's name, who at Krasnoe and the Berezina robbed the army of complete victory. Tolstoy says that is the fate not of European grands hommes, whom the Russian mind does not acknowledge, but of rare people who discern a higher law and submit to it. The crowd punishes them. Russian historians adore Napoleon, that insignificant tool who never showed dignity even in exile, and feel a little ashamed when they speak of Kutuzov.

Yet it is hard to imagine an historical figure whose activity aimed so steadily at one worthy end, or an end so fully accomplished: brace strength, defeat the French, drive them out while easing the people's suffering. Kutuzov wears no pose. He writes to his daughters, reads novels, jests with soldiers, and never contradicts those who prove things to him. When Rostopchin reproaches him at the Yauza bridge for abandoning Moscow without a battle, he replies that he will not, though Moscow is already gone. When Arakcheev says Ermolov should head the artillery, Kutuzov agrees, though a moment before he had said the contrary. Words, he has learned, are not what move people. He still never utters one word against his single purpose. Borodino was a victory. The loss of Moscow is not the loss of Russia. There can be no peace, for such is the people's will. Maneuvers are useless; offer a golden bridge; do not sacrifice one Russian for ten Frenchmen; do not carry the war beyond the frontier.

His actions match the words: patience and time, battle at Borodino with solemn preparation, refusal of useless fights later. The source of that power, Tolstoy says, was national feeling in full purity, which chose an old man in disfavour against the Tsar's wish. That feeling set him on a pedestal from which he used his power not to slay but to save. The simple figure will not fit the false mould of a European hero. To a lackey no man can be great, because a lackey has his own conception of greatness.

In this chapter:Terms Characters Key Quotes Modern Story

Why This Matters

Recognizing Quiet Greatness

Effective leaders often look weak because they refuse the drama crowds reward. Tolstoy shows Kutuzov mocked for sparing Russians while agreeing with courtiers in words that did not matter.

When a leader is called weak for refusing spectacle, ask whether the real mission is already being achieved.

This chapter

Inside the Mind: the official historian

By order of the Highest Authorities, Kutuzov is a cunning court liar who robbed the army of complete victory. Russian historians adore Napoleon and feel a little ashamed of Kutuzov. The shame is the tell: a quiet aim accomplished does not feed the wish for a genius parent.

Continue this thoughtThe Essay Is How the Novel Refuses a Steering Mind

Coming Up in Chapter 323

The fifth of November is the first day of what is called the battle of Krasnoe. Towards evening, when it is plain the enemy is everywhere in flight and there is no battle, Kutuzov leaves Krasnoe for Dobroe on his plump little white horse, followed by an enormous suite of discontented generals.

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Chapter 322

True Leadership Against Popular Opinion

In 1812 and 1813 Kutúzov was openly accused of blundering. The Emperor was dissatisfied with him. And in a history recently written by order of the Highest Authorities it is said that Kutúzov was a cunning court liar, frightened of the name of Napoleon, and that by his blunders at Krásnoe and the Berëzina he deprived the Russian army of the glory of complete victory over the French. History of the year 1812. The character of Kutúzov and reflections on the unsatisfactory results of the battles at Krásnoe, by Bogdánovich. Such is the fate not of great men…

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True Leadership Against Popular Opinion

Summary

Why This Matters