In general the trait of Speránski’s mentality which struck Prince Andréy most was his absolute and unshakable belief in the power and authority of reason. It was evident that the thought could never occur to him which to Prince Andréy seemed so natural, namely, that it is after all impossible to express all one thinks; and that he had never felt the doubt, “Is not all I think and believe nonsense?” And it was just this peculiarity of Speránski’s mind that particularly attracted Prince Andréy.

During the first period of their acquaintance Bolkónski felt a passionate admiration for him similar to that which he had once felt for Bonaparte. The fact that Speránski was the son of a village priest, and that stupid people might meanly despise him on account of his humble origin (as in fact many did), caused Prince Andréy to cherish his sentiment for him the more, and unconsciously to strengthen it.