Monocled and effete in appearance, cold and distant in manner, he concentrated with such single-mindedness on his profession that when an aide, at the end of an all-night staff ride in East Prussia, pointed out to him the beauty of the river Pregel sparkling in the rising sun, the General gave a brief, hard look and replied, An unimportant obstacle.
The General is portrayed as a meticulous and somewhat aloof figure, characterized by his monocle and refined demeanor. His intense focus on military obligations often overshadows his appreciation for beauty in the world around him. This is exemplified in an encounter with an aide who attempts to highlight the serene beauty of the Pregel river at sunrise, only to be met with the General's dispassionate dismissal of it as a mere "unimportant obstacle."
This moment underscores his single-minded dedication to his role, suggesting that his commitment to duty overrides any personal appreciation for nature's splendor. The contrast between the aide's awe and the General's harsh practicality captures the essence of military mentality, where strategic considerations take precedence over emotional responses to the environment.
