Note 79 — Chapter 30 OUR ‘OPPONENTS’ The Slavophils and Panslavism—Homyakov—The Kireyevskys—K. S. Aksakov—P. Y. Tchaadayev

Tchaadayev was often at the English Club. On one occasion Menshikov, Minister of Naval Affairs, went up to him with the words: ‘How is it, Pyotr Yakovlevitch, you don’t recognise your old acquaintances?’ ‘Oh, it is you,’ answered Tchaadayev, who really had not recognised him, ‘but how is it you are wearing a black collar? I fancy that you used to wear a red one.’ ‘Why, don’t you know I am Minister of Naval Affairs?’ ‘You! why, I imagine you have never steered a boat.’ ‘You don’t need much wit to bake a pot, you know,’ answered Menshikov, a little bit displeased. ‘Oh well, if it is on that principle ...’ answered Tchaadayev.

A Senator was making great complaints of being very busy. ‘With what?’ asked Tchaadayev. ‘Upon my soul, the mere reading of the notes and papers!’ and the Senator made a gesture indicating a pile a yard from the floor. ‘But you don’t read them?’ ‘Oh yes, sometimes I do, and besides, it is often necessary to give my opinion on them.’ ‘Well, I don’t see the necessity,’ answered Tchaadayev.