The conversation turns to the current Russian political situation. Pierre thinks things are going very badly and that something may need to be done to directly oppose the current drift of the government. Nicholas is firmly opposed to that notion. The young Nicholas, Andrew’s son, listens in.
They have a pleasant supper, reminiscing about the events of 1812. In the evening, Nicholas learns Mary is keeping a diary. He is impressed by her great goodness. They talk about the day and the children.
In the evening, Pierre and Natasha enjoy a conversation. They understand each other so well they can discuss various topics simultaneously and understand the other’s thoughts. That night young Nicholas has a dream in where Prince Andrew visits him and approves of his son.
Tolstoy saw a paradigm shift taking place in how we understand history.
Historical events are caused by the activity of all the participants.
The central problem facing historians is the discovery of the laws which govern history.
What is history?
What types of historians are there?
How did the Ancients view history?
The “great man” theory of history.