In war the heroes always outnumber the soldiers ten to one.

"In war the heroes always outnumber the soldiers ten to one." These words by H.L. Mencken capture a profound truth about the nature of war and heroism. Mencken, a keen observer of human nature, understood that the true heroes of war are not always the ones who wield the sword or lead the charge on the battlefield. No, the true heroes are often those who stand on the sidelines, in the shadows, or in the hearts of those who remain behind. The ones who fight with resolve, sacrifice, and grit, but whose actions may never be seen in the history books. In Mencken's eyes, the true valor of war is not in the flashy glory of battle, but in the quiet strength of those who support, endure, and hold the fort.

To understand the depth of this quote, we must first recognize the nature of heroism. In ancient times, heroes were not simply warriors who killed or conquered, but those whose actions transcended the physical realm. The Greek heroes, like Achilles and Hector, were valorous not only in their ability to fight but in the honor they brought to their people. But even in their heroic actions, they were shaped by forces greater than themselves. It was not just their swords that defined them; it was their willingness to sacrifice, to stand firm, and to face the unknown for a cause larger than their own personal glory. The true measure of heroism, Mencken suggests, lies in the uncelebrated acts, the quiet courage that pushes one forward when victory seems unattainable.

In World War II, for example, countless stories of heroism can be found not just in the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy or fought in the skies over Europe, but in the women who worked tirelessly on the homefront, the families who sent their loved ones into battle, and the civilians who, though unarmed, supported the war effort with unwavering determination. Consider the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who risked her life to save 2,500 Jewish children from the Holocaust. While she did not carry a weapon, her actions were no less heroic than those of any soldier on the battlefield. She faced a moral and existential war, risking everything to protect innocent lives. Heroes like Irena were never celebrated in the same way as generals or soldiers, yet her courage was immeasurable.

The ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu, in his treatise The Art of War, spoke of the value of strategy, and how the best warriors are not always those who fight, but those who influence the battle through their wisdom, their foresight, and their restraint. In his philosophy, the greatest hero was the one who could bring peace or resolution without resorting to violence. The hero who outnumbers the soldier is the one who understands the broader picture, who possesses the courage to act with compassion, wisdom, and self-restraint. True heroism is found in those who can stand firm in the face of adversity, not just through action, but through wisdom and moral clarity.

Mencken’s words also call attention to a deeper truth: the numbers of heroes are not always visible, for the true measure of sacrifice in war is often not counted in the headlines. Soldiers, though they fight with valor, are often seen as mere pawns in a larger game. But the heroes who outnumber them are those who endure the mental and emotional toll of war, who face loss and pain with grace and resilience, who carry on the legacy of battle with their quiet strength. They are the mothers, fathers, wives, and children whose lives are forever marked by the absence of those they loved. Their sacrifice is no less than that of the soldier who marches into battle; it is the unseen cost of war.

The lesson, then, is one of recognition and gratitude. Heroism is not always about the loudest victories or the brightest medals. The true heroes of our world, as Mencken suggests, are often those whose actions are unseen or underappreciated. They are the ones who bear the weight of the world without recognition, who fight the battles of the heart, the mind, and the spirit. When we think of war, let us remember that it is not just the soldier who fights, but the countless others who stand behind them, holding the world together in the quiet moments of courage and resolve.

In our own lives, let us seek to honor those who serve in ways both large and small. In every community, in every family, there are unsung heroes—the ones who persevere through personal struggles, who support others without seeking reward, who show resilience in the face of challenges. We must recognize these individuals, these quiet warriors, whose strength is just as necessary as the physical might of the soldiers we celebrate. As we go through our days, let us remember that heroism is not only in the fight, but in the quiet resolve that guides us through each challenge, each struggle, and each moment of adversity.

The true power of Mencken's words lies in their call for humility and recognition—for heroes are all around us, in ways we often overlook. Let us strive to see them, honor them, and, perhaps most importantly, be inspired by them to become heroes in our own right.