War and Peace, Part 2: Second Epilogue, Chapter 12 summary
Part 2: Second Epilogue, Chapter 12 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, the narrator compares changes in astronomy with the need to explain history through laws rather than individual free will. The argument concludes that people must set aside their feeling of independence and recognize their dependence on external conditions, time, and causes.
What happens
- The narrator uses the persistence of older astronomy after Copernicus to illustrate resistance to discoveries that overturn established explanations.
- Mathematical patterns and geographic and economic conditions challenge explanations of history based on individual freedom.
- The narrator compares religious resistance to new astronomy with religious resistance to historical necessity.
- Both defenders and opponents mistake necessity for a threat to religion, while the narrator argues that it supports religious and state institutions.
- The argument ends by demanding recognition of human dependence despite the immediate feeling of personal freedom.
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Quick check
What must people surrender to recognize historical laws, according to the conclusion?
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