Original Text(~250 words)
CHAPTER II The famous flank movement merely consisted in this: after the advance of the French had ceased, the Russian army, which had been continually retreating straight back from the invaders, deviated from that direct course and, not finding itself pursued, was naturally drawn toward the district where supplies were abundant. If instead of imagining to ourselves commanders of genius leading the Russian army, we picture that army without any leaders, it could not have done anything but make a return movement toward Moscow, describing an arc in the direction where most provisions were to be found and where the country was richest. That movement from the Nízhni to the Ryazán, Túla, and Kalúga roads was so natural that even the Russian marauders moved in that direction, and demands were sent from Petersburg for Kutúzov to take his army that way. At Tarútino Kutúzov received what was almost a reprimand from the Emperor for having moved his army along the Ryazán road, and the Emperor’s letter indicated to him the very position he had already occupied near Kalúga. Having rolled like a ball in the direction of the impetus given by the whole campaign and by the battle of Borodinó, the Russian army—when the strength of that impetus was exhausted and no fresh push was received—assumed the position natural to it. Kutúzov’s merit lay, not in any strategic maneuver of genius, as it is called, but in the fact that he alone understood the significance of what had happened. He...
Continue reading the full chapter
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Summary
Tolstoy reveals a crucial truth about leadership and timing through Kutuzov's controversial retreat. After the French stop advancing, the Russian army naturally moves toward areas with better supplies—not because of genius strategy, but because that's what armies do when they're not being chased. Kutuzov gets criticized for this 'obvious' move, but he understands something others miss: sometimes the smartest thing a leader can do is recognize what's already happening and not interfere. While Napoleon sends peace overtures (a sign of weakness), Kutuzov refuses to negotiate but also restrains his eager troops from attacking too soon. The chapter shows how momentum works in real life—like a wounded animal, the French army is making sounds that reveal its true condition. Meanwhile, everything is shifting: Russian morale is up, supplies are good, the weather is favorable, and soldiers are itching for action. Tolstoy compares this shift to a clock striking the hour—when conditions align, change becomes inevitable. The key insight is that great leadership often means reading the room correctly and timing your moves, not forcing brilliant strategies. Kutuzov's 'genius' isn't tactical brilliance—it's understanding that the balance of power has shifted and knowing exactly when to let natural forces work in his favor.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Flank movement
A military maneuver where an army moves around the side of the enemy instead of attacking head-on. Tolstoy reveals that Russia's famous 'strategic' flank movement was actually just the army naturally moving toward better supplies when they weren't being chased.
Modern Usage:
When someone claims credit for a 'strategic decision' that was really just the obvious thing to do under the circumstances.
Natural momentum
Tolstoy's concept that armies, like people, naturally move in certain directions when external pressure stops. The Russian army rolled toward supply-rich areas like 'a ball in the direction of impetus' when the French stopped pushing them back.
Modern Usage:
How organizations or people naturally drift toward what benefits them most when they're not under immediate pressure.
Strategic restraint
The leadership skill of holding back when your team wants to act, waiting for the right moment. Kutuzov restrains his eager officers from attacking the retreating French too early, understanding that timing is everything.
Modern Usage:
A manager who stops their team from rushing into a project until market conditions are better aligned.
Peace overtures
Diplomatic attempts to negotiate an end to conflict, usually made from a position of weakness. Napoleon's peace offers reveal that the French army is in worse shape than it appears on the surface.
Modern Usage:
When someone who's been aggressive suddenly wants to 'talk it out' - often a sign they're losing ground.
Reading the room
Kutuzov's ability to understand the true situation when others miss the signs. He recognizes that momentum has shifted in Russia's favor even when his own government criticizes his decisions.
Modern Usage:
Knowing when workplace dynamics have shifted or when a relationship's power balance has changed, even before others notice.
Inevitable change
Tolstoy's idea that when multiple conditions align - morale, supplies, weather, timing - change becomes unstoppable, like 'a clock striking the hour.' The French retreat becomes inevitable once these factors converge.
Modern Usage:
When you can sense that a major shift is coming in your workplace, relationship, or community because all the signs are pointing the same direction.
Characters in This Chapter
Kutuzov
Strategic leader
Demonstrates true leadership by understanding what's really happening when others don't. Gets criticized for obvious moves but refuses to be pressured into premature action. His genius is timing and restraint, not flashy tactics.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced supervisor who ignores pressure from above because they know their team isn't ready yet
Napoleon
Weakening opponent
Reveals his army's true condition by making peace overtures - a sign of weakness disguised as diplomacy. His attempts to negotiate show the French position is worse than it appears.
Modern Equivalent:
The workplace bully who suddenly wants to 'work things out' when they realize they're losing support
The Emperor (Alexander I)
Distant authority
Criticizes Kutuzov for moves that were actually smart, showing how leaders far from the action often misunderstand what's needed. Sends demands based on incomplete information.
Modern Equivalent:
Corporate executives who criticize local managers for decisions that make perfect sense on the ground
Russian officers
Eager subordinates
Want to attack immediately, showing high morale but poor timing. Kutuzov must restrain their enthusiasm until conditions are perfect for success.
Modern Equivalent:
Team members who want to launch a project before all the pieces are in place
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when underlying conditions are changing in your favor, even before others see it.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when people start asking for your opinion on things they used to decide alone—that's momentum shifting toward you.
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Kutuzov's merit lay, not in any strategic maneuver of genius, as it is called, but in the fact that he alone understood the significance of what had happened."
Context: Explaining why Kutuzov was truly effective as a leader
Tolstoy reveals that real leadership isn't about brilliant tactics but about understanding reality when others are confused. Kutuzov's strength is recognizing that the balance of power has shifted, not creating flashy strategies.
In Today's Words:
His success wasn't about being a strategic genius - he was just the only one who really understood what was going on.
"Having rolled like a ball in the direction of the impetus given by the whole campaign and by the battle of Borodino, the Russian army assumed the position natural to it."
Context: Describing how the Russian army moved after the French stopped advancing
This metaphor shows how natural forces, not strategic planning, often determine outcomes. The army moved where it needed to go for survival, and wise leadership meant recognizing this rather than fighting it.
In Today's Words:
Once the pressure was off, the army naturally went where it made sense to go - toward better supplies and stronger ground.
"The strength of that impetus was exhausted and no fresh push was received."
Context: Explaining why the Russian army could finally move freely
Describes the moment when external pressure stops and natural momentum takes over. This is when smart leaders recognize opportunity and adjust their approach accordingly.
In Today's Words:
The force that had been driving them back finally ran out of steam, and nobody was pushing them anymore.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Strategic Patience
Recognizing when underlying conditions are shifting in your favor and timing your actions to ride that momentum rather than forcing premature moves.
Thematic Threads
Leadership
In This Chapter
Kutuzov leads by reading conditions and timing rather than commanding through force or brilliant strategy
Development
Evolved from earlier portrayals of military leadership to show wisdom-based rather than ego-based command
In Your Life:
You might recognize this in how the best supervisors know when to push their team and when to let things flow naturally.
Timing
In This Chapter
The chapter emphasizes how everything depends on recognizing when conditions have shifted and the moment is right
Development
Builds on earlier themes about historical forces and individual agency to show timing as crucial skill
In Your Life:
You see this when deciding whether to ask for a raise, have a difficult conversation, or make a major life change.
Natural Forces
In This Chapter
Armies move toward better supplies naturally; Kutuzov works with these forces rather than against them
Development
Continues Tolstoy's theme that human behavior follows natural patterns that can be understood and used
In Your Life:
You might notice this in how people naturally gravitate toward what makes their lives easier if you don't force them in other directions.
Recognition vs Action
In This Chapter
Kutuzov's genius is seeing what's already happening rather than creating brilliant new strategies
Development
Develops the theme that wisdom often involves recognition rather than innovation
In Your Life:
You experience this when you realize the solution to a problem was already there, you just needed to see it clearly.
Modern Adaptation
When to Let Things Happen
Following Andrew's story...
Andrew's been volunteering at the community center for months, watching the director make increasingly bad decisions while morale tanks. The board is getting restless, staff are updating résumés, and parents are pulling their kids from programs. Everyone expects Andrew—with his business background—to step up and fix things. But Andrew notices something others miss: the director is starting to ask for his input, the board chair has been texting him directly, and three key staff members have privately asked if he'd consider applying for leadership roles. Instead of forcing a confrontation or launching a campaign, Andrew waits. He supports good initiatives, gently redirects bad ones, and builds relationships. When the director finally announces her resignation, the transition feels natural. The board doesn't need to search—Andrew is already there, already trusted, already leading.
The Road
The road Kutuzov walked in 1812, Andrew walks today. The pattern is identical: recognizing when momentum is shifting in your favor and having the discipline to let natural forces work rather than forcing premature action.
The Map
This chapter provides the navigation tool of strategic patience—learning to read underlying conditions and time your moves. Andrew can use this to distinguish between being passive and being strategically aware.
Amplification
Before reading this, Andrew might have felt pressure to immediately solve every problem he saw or prove his worth through constant action. Now he can NAME the difference between activity and effectiveness, PREDICT when conditions favor natural transitions, and NAVIGATE by positioning himself for opportunities rather than forcing them.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Kutuzov get criticized for moving his army toward better supplies, even though it seems like the obvious thing to do?
analysis • surface - 2
What does Napoleon sending peace offers reveal about the true state of the French army, and why is Kutuzov smart to refuse?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace or family situations - when have you seen someone succeed by reading the room and timing their actions perfectly?
application • medium - 4
Kutuzov restrains his eager troops from attacking too soon. When in your life do you need to hold back even when you're ready to act?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter teach us about the difference between being busy and being effective as a leader?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Read Your Current Moment
Think of a situation in your life where you want to make a change or take action - asking for a raise, having a difficult conversation, making a major decision. Like Kutuzov reading the battlefield, analyze the current conditions around your situation. What signals are you seeing? Is the momentum building in your favor or against you?
Consider:
- •What are the underlying conditions right now - stress levels, timing, resources available?
- •What signals might you be missing that could help you choose the right moment?
- •Are you being driven by your own eagerness, or are you truly reading the situation clearly?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you acted too quickly or waited too long to make a move. What would you do differently now that you understand the importance of reading momentum and timing?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 282: When Orders Come From Above
The coming pages reveal distance creates disconnect between decision-makers and reality, and teach us workplace politics often overshadow actual work. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.