"You don't understand why I say this," he continued, "but it is the whole story of life.

You talk of Bonaparte and his career," said he (though Pierre had not mentioned Bonaparte), "but Bonaparte when he worked went step by step toward his goal.

He was free, he had nothing but his aim to consider, and he reached it.

But tie yourself up with a woman and, like a chained convict, you lose all freedom! And all you have of hope and strength merely weighs you down and torments you with regret.

Drawing rooms, gossip, balls, vanity, and triviality--these are the enchanted circle I cannot escape from.