1.      The Dual Nature of War: The book illustrates that war, while destructive and horrifying, can also be a catalyst for individual growth and change. Several characters, such as Andrei and Pierre, find purpose and satisfaction in war, discovering their inner strength.

2.      The Importance of Patience: Tolstoy shows how the characters brave through difficult times. The patience that they exhibit during the War and subsequent Peace emphasises that patience is a virtue and a necessity in real life too.

3.      The Value of Resilience: Throughout the book, characters like Natasha and Pierre face tests of their resilience. Despite experiencing setbacks and upheavals, they learn to bounce back, proving the importance of resilience in achieving inner peace.

4.      The Perils of Pride: Characters who exhibit excessive pride usually face downfall. For instance, Napoleon’s hubris leads to his disastrous attack on Russia in winter. This emphasizes the destructive nature of pride.

5.      The Folly of Class Prejudice: Tolstoy criticizes the Russian aristocracy for their snobbery and class prejudice. The characters who look beyond class distinctions, like Pierre, achieve self-realization.

6.      The Transience of Life: Many characters, including Andrei and Petya encounter death abruptly, reminding readers of the fleeting nature of life.

7.      The Role of Fate and Free Will: The characters find themselves caught between their own choices and the broader sweep of history. The book suggests a complex interplay of personal responsibility and what’s out of our hands.

8.      The Vanity of Material Wealth: Pierre’s inheritance of wealth doesn’t bring him happiness. His spiritual growth occurs when he abandons the pursuit of material riches, providing a critique of materialism.

9.      The Power of Love: Natasha’s love for Andrei brings him back from depression. Pierre’s love for Natasha also redeems him. Their mutual love forms the core of the narrative, highlighting the transformative power of love.

10.  The Quest for Meaning: Pierre’s constant search for meaning and purpose in his life is a universal dilemma. His ultimate fulfilment derives from simple delights of family and work, underlining that happiness is found in life’s simple pleasures.