Rostov kept thinking about that brilliant feat of his, which, to his surprise, had gained him the St. George Cross and even given him the reputation of a brave man - and there was something in it that he was unable to understand. "So they're even more afraid than we are! " he thought. "So that's all there is to so-called heroism? And did I really do it for the fatherland? And what harm had he done, with his dimple and his light blue eyes? But how frightened he was! He thought I'd kill him. Why should I kill him? My hand faltered. And they gave me the St. George Cross. I understand nothing, nothing! . Leo Tolstoy
About This Quote

Rostov's confusion grew as he thought about his own actions during that battle. With the St. George Cross, he was given some sort of bravery medal, but he had done nothing to earn it. He had done no heroic act; he had simply been afraid enough of the enemy to run away. Our own actions are always more than we realize, and despite our best intentions, they can leave us feeling foolish or even ashamed.

Source: War And Peace

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More Quotes By Leo Tolstoy
  1. I think... if it is true that there are as many minds as there are heads, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts.
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