's is a monumental novel set against Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Russia. From Saint Petersburg to Moscow to the war's frontlines, the story weaves together the lives of five aristocratic families: the Bezukhovs, Bolkonskys, Drubetskoys, Kuragins, and RostovsDrubetskoys. The narrative explores their intertwined journeys and moral quests during this upheaval. These characters, among dozens more, provide a panoramic view of Russian society, from the battlefield to the ballroom.
War and Peace remains a classic more than 150 years since its publication. It's valued for its deep psychological insight and historical descriptions as well as for its exploration of universal themes of war, love, sacrifice, and fate. These 30+ quotes remain some of the most revered in literature.
The Best War and Peace Quotes about Resolution and Determination
"A battle is won by him who is firmly resolved to win it."
"A man on a thousand mile walk has to forget his goal and say to himself every morning, 'Today I'm going to cover twenty-five miles and then rest up and sleep.'"
"The strongest of all warriors are these two–Time and Patience."
The Best War and Peace Quotes about Humility and Wisdom
"All we can know is that we know nothing. And that's the height of human wisdom."
"Because of the self-confidence with which he had spoken, no one could tell whether what he said was very clever or very stupid."
The Best War and Peace Quotes about Friendship and Love
"'But one thing I beg of you, look on me as your friend; and if you want some help, advice, or simply want to open your heart to someone- not now, but when things are clearer in your heart- think of me.' He took her hand and kissed it. 'I shall be happy, if I am able...' Pierre was confused."
"Everything I know, I know because of love."
"You can love a person dear to you with a human love, but an enemy can only be loved with divine love."
"The whole world is divided for me into two parts: one is she, and there is all happiness, hope, light; the other is where she is not, and there is dejection and darkness."
The Best War and Peace Quotes About Life's Inevitability and Uncertainty
"Everything ends in death, everything. Death is terrible."
"Here I am alive, and it's not my fault, so I have to try and get by as best I can without hurting anybody until death takes over.”
