BOOK 10, Chptr. 16, P&V pg. 742

Andrew meets with Kutúzov, and tells him he prefers to remain with his regiment rather than joining the staff.

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  1. Book 10, Chapter 16

      Andrew meets with Kutúzov, and tells him he prefers to remain with his regiment rather than joining the staff.

      Summary:
      Kutúzov is continuing about his headquarters business. While he is waiting to talk with Kutúzov, someone invites Andrew to lunch. After lunch, Kutúzov is able to speak with Andrew. Prince Andrew told Kutúzov all he knew of his father’s death, and what he had seen at Bald Hills. Kutúzov says it’s very sad, but that Andrew should now think of him as his second father. Kutúzov asks Andrew to join his staff, but Andrew says he prefers being with his regiment. Kutúzov responds I am sorry, for I need you. But you’re right, you’re right! It’s not here that men are needed. Advisers are always plentiful, but men are not.” He compliments Andrew’s efforts at Austerlitz, which pleases Andrew. They talk briefly about the coming fight with the Turks. Andrew leaves with the feeling that the army is in good hands with Kutúzov.

      quote from the chapter:
      Prince Andrew could not have explained how or why it was, but after that interview with Kutúzov he went back to his regiment reassured as to the general course of affairs and as to the man to whom it had been entrusted. The more he realized the absence of all personal motive in that old man-in whom there seemed to remain only the habit of passions, and in place of an intellect (grouping events and drawing conclusions) only the capacity calmly to contemplate the course of events-the more reassured he was that everything would be as it should. He will not bring in any plan of his own. He will not devise or undertake anything, thought Prince Andrew, but he will hear everything, remember everything, and put everything in its place. He will not hinder anything useful nor allow anything harmful. He understands that there is something stronger and more important than his own will-the inevitable course of events, and he can see them and grasp their significance, and seeing that significance can refrain from meddling and renounce his personal wish directed to something else. And above all, thought Prince Andrew, one believes in him because he’s Russian,

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