BOOK 5, Chptr. 11, P&V pg. 381

Book 5, Chapter 11

Pierre visits Prince Andrew. Andrew’s new philosophy is that it is better to live for oneself and those one loves, rather than to seek glory.

Summary:

Returning from his tour in the happiest state of mind, Pierre stops to visit Prince Andrew. Andrew is making improvements to his new estate, where he plans to live. Pierre hasn’t seen Andrew for two years. Andrew looks older, worn down and tired. Their conversation does not flow well at first. But, when Andrew brings up Pierre’s duel, the conversation opens up. Pierre expresses his newly acquired Masonic understanding that what he did was wrong. Andrew disagrees, saying To kill a vicious dog is a very good thing really.. Andrew explains how his outlook on life has changed after Austerlitz. Maybe living for others will work for Pierre, he says, but Andrew feels that he has ruined his life seeking glory, or the approval of others. Now Andrew plans to live only for himself and those he loves. Andrew thinks the serfs are better off left alone. He says he will not rejoin the army. Later, the two men plan to visit Bald Hills.

quote from the chapter:

Bad! Bad! exclaimed Pierre. We all know what is bad for ourselves. Yes, we know that, but the harm I am conscious of in myself is something I cannot inflict on others, said Prince Andrew, growing more and more animated and evidently wishing to express his new outlook to Pierre. He spoke in French. I only know two very real evils in life: remorse and illness. The only good is the absence of those evils. To live for myself avoiding those two evils is my whole philosophy now. And love of one’s neighbor, and self-sacrifice? began Pierre. No, I can’t agree with you! To live only so as not to do evil and not to have to repent is not enough. I lived like that, I lived for myself and ruined my life

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