Oblonsky's tendency and opinions were not his by deliberate choice: they came of themselves, just as he did not choose the fashion of his hats or coats but wore those of the current style.
Степан Аркадьич не избирал ни направления, ни взглядов, а эти направления и взгляды сами приходили к нему, точно так же, как он не выбирал формы шляпы или сюртука, а брал те, которые носят.