I’m loving the inquiry, “what is success?” Now in my 40s and having done all the things one is to do to be “successful” I’m finding these pursuits did not arrive me to the peace and happiness I imagined. Andrei is the character I identify with most in the book. I’ve felt an affinity toward him since day one. In my own life, I’m noticing I’m trying to make more time for the things I once treated as distractions from my goals and dreams — family, friends, spending time doing things I enjoy (like this book group) that are in no way connected to “getting ahead” or being the hero. It feels that through Andrei I may get some insights on how such a reorientation may unfold. At least, the linear elevator to the top part of my brain likes to hope so. 😆
I feel comforted in seeing how his priorities are unraveling. I’m sure he’ll pick them up again (as I tend to do over and over), but perhaps in the picking up and dropping a softening is happening that does bring some modicum of peace. I hope so. 🖤🙏🏽
Andrew K Kaufman in Give War and Peace A Chance: Tolstoyan Wisdom for Troubled Times …. Sounds wonderful. Off to check it out. Thank you for yet more amazing insights Simon.
I’ve waited for four days for the readalong to catch-up, and now Simon I hear I have to wait another day as there’s no episode on the 6th. Ah well, my own fault for enjoying it so much and having little discipline.
Seriously, though, another great weekly summary. Thanks especially for the link to the Charge of the Light Brigade recitation.
This is all so good Simon! Thank you! I was thinking about mentioning the movie War Horse in the chat but just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. It is such an emotional, moving film. It is one that has stuck with me since I saw it some years ago.
This week utterly shifted my thinking on the "war parts" thus far, in ways I hadn't expected.
I found so many of my annotations centered around descriptions, not of character (my first and main point of entry into every story) or emotion, but of setting and something else I can't quite name... maybe movement. Not plot, but that winding on of human stories in a way is thread to the earth and each other.
I didn’t realize that Andrei was literally thinking of having his Toulon via lifting the standard- until today I thought he meant by having a heroic plan or strategy to lead men to victory. I didn’t think it meant a literally copy of Napoleon lifting the flag!
I’m loving the inquiry, “what is success?” Now in my 40s and having done all the things one is to do to be “successful” I’m finding these pursuits did not arrive me to the peace and happiness I imagined. Andrei is the character I identify with most in the book. I’ve felt an affinity toward him since day one. In my own life, I’m noticing I’m trying to make more time for the things I once treated as distractions from my goals and dreams — family, friends, spending time doing things I enjoy (like this book group) that are in no way connected to “getting ahead” or being the hero. It feels that through Andrei I may get some insights on how such a reorientation may unfold. At least, the linear elevator to the top part of my brain likes to hope so. 😆
I feel comforted in seeing how his priorities are unraveling. I’m sure he’ll pick them up again (as I tend to do over and over), but perhaps in the picking up and dropping a softening is happening that does bring some modicum of peace. I hope so. 🖤🙏🏽
Ah lovely seeing you identify with Andrei in this way. And you are right about the picking up and unraveling. It's a bit of a spiralling process.
I could not sleep last night because of Andei falling and looking at the sky. I was like OMG no! I felt like a teenager in awe for a fav character.
I always enjoy revisiting the week's reading with your summaries, Simon—thank you! I think I will take a look at Andrew Kaufman's book.
It's a great book, I'll refer to it more and more as we go on.
Andrew K Kaufman in Give War and Peace A Chance: Tolstoyan Wisdom for Troubled Times …. Sounds wonderful. Off to check it out. Thank you for yet more amazing insights Simon.
No, no, no!
I’ve waited for four days for the readalong to catch-up, and now Simon I hear I have to wait another day as there’s no episode on the 6th. Ah well, my own fault for enjoying it so much and having little discipline.
Seriously, though, another great weekly summary. Thanks especially for the link to the Charge of the Light Brigade recitation.
This is all so good Simon! Thank you! I was thinking about mentioning the movie War Horse in the chat but just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. It is such an emotional, moving film. It is one that has stuck with me since I saw it some years ago.
This week utterly shifted my thinking on the "war parts" thus far, in ways I hadn't expected.
I found so many of my annotations centered around descriptions, not of character (my first and main point of entry into every story) or emotion, but of setting and something else I can't quite name... maybe movement. Not plot, but that winding on of human stories in a way is thread to the earth and each other.
Is there a manageable history of the Napoleonic Wars worth reading? Would love to know more about the context for "War"...
Hey Daniel. I'm sure there is and maybe someone can recommend something. I haven't read anything specifically about the Napoleonic Wars.
I didn’t realize that Andrei was literally thinking of having his Toulon via lifting the standard- until today I thought he meant by having a heroic plan or strategy to lead men to victory. I didn’t think it meant a literally copy of Napoleon lifting the flag!
I suspect it is indictive of his lack of imagination! But also I guess it is the most obvious way to be heroic and lead people on a battlefield.
Thank you for drawing my attention to that. It was so obvious I missed it haha
Great spot to hang out for a bit!