To me there’s another noticeable contrast in this chapter (12 of pt.3 vol.3). On an everyday common-sense level, the Countess’ fear for both her sons’ safety seems sensible, while the excitement of Petya and Natasha that “something extraordinary was happening” seems infantile and foolish.
A philosopher of history however, should look at these events on another scale. According to my understanding of Stoicism and of Buddhism, we (if we are indeed wise Stoics/Buddhists) ought to realise that these individual feelings, whether pleasant or unpleasant, are not the true picture of what’s happening. Or if they are true, then in any case they aren’t a guide as to how we should respond — which is to try to be virtuous: perhaps like the criminal straightening his hat on the way to the gallows.
