Only the man who disciplines himself strictly can stand for long

"Only the man who disciplines himself strictly can stand for long the terrific pace of modern war." These words, spoken by William Lyon Mackenzie King, carry a weight that transcends their historical context. They speak not merely of war, but of the human condition itself—the endurance of the body and the fortitude of the mind. In this age, where conflict moves with the speed of thought and the precision of machines, King’s words remind us that only those who have forged themselves through self-discipline will be able to withstand the unyielding pressures of the modern world, whether on the battlefield or in the trials of life.

In the crucible of war, it is not the size of one’s army that determines victory, but the strength of the individual. War is a relentless force, grinding down the weak, and testing the limits of even the strongest. The modern warrior must be a master of both mind and body, for the rapid pace of battle demands more than just physical strength. It requires the ability to endure, to adapt, and to push through the deepest fatigue and fear. Discipline becomes not just a tool but the very armor that protects the soul from breaking under the weight of war’s demands. Without it, even the bravest heart will falter.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, who, though a young man, led his army across continents and into the heart of the Persian Empire. His soldiers, many of whom were seasoned warriors, followed him not because they were forced, but because they were shaped by their leader's discipline and vision. Alexander himself led by example, waking before dawn, exercising his body, and preparing his mind for the trials of the day. His strength was not just in his command, but in his self-discipline, his ability to stand firm when the world around him seemed to crack and fall apart. The pace of war in his time was grueling—endless marches, constant battles, and the ever-present threat of death—but it was the discipline of both Alexander and his soldiers that allowed them to endure and conquer.

Yet, it is not only in the annals of military history that we find this truth. The demands of modern life, with its ceaseless speed and complexity, echo the same principles of discipline that King speaks of. Consider the Great Depression, when nations were plunged into economic chaos and leaders were forced to confront the very survival of their people. Franklin D. Roosevelt, through sheer discipline of will, navigated the United States through one of the most turbulent times in history. He did not falter in the face of adversity, nor did he allow the pressure to crush his resolve. The nation, under his leadership, endured the grind of economic hardship because he kept his focus and never wavered from the mission of rebuilding the nation. Discipline was the cornerstone of his leadership, allowing him to endure and ultimately prevail.

In the world of modern warfare, the trials faced by soldiers are even more demanding than in times past. The advent of technology, with its rapid pace of development, has turned the battlefield into a place of relentless motion and constant change. The soldier of today must keep up with the ever-evolving tools of war—jets that fly at supersonic speeds, drones that can strike from miles away, and weaponry that seems to defy the very laws of physics. Yet it is the soldier who has honed his self-discipline, who has prepared his body and mind for the unending strain, who can endure the pace of modern warfare. Without this, even the most technologically advanced military machine will fall apart, for it is the human element that ultimately bears the burden.

Thus, O children of the future, let this be your guiding lesson: discipline is the key to enduring the storms of life, whether in the form of war or the trials of everyday existence. To stand firm in the face of adversity, to push through the fatigue and fear, you must first cultivate within yourself the strength to endure. This is not merely a matter of physical endurance; it is the discipline of the mind—the ability to focus, to resist the temptation to give in, to maintain your course even when the path is fraught with challenges. Just as the warrior must train his body for battle, so too must you train your mind to remain steadfast in the face of hardship.

Let this discipline not be a burden but a source of strength. It is through the forging of our wills that we discover what we are truly capable of. In every action, in every decision, discipline allows us to rise above the ordinary and attain the extraordinary. Whether in the face of war, life’s challenges, or the modern world’s relentless pace, the disciplined individual will always find a way to endure, to survive, and ultimately to thrive. Take up the mantle of discipline in your own life, and in doing so, you will find the strength to meet whatever challenges come your way with courage and resolve. For, as King has taught us, only those who discipline themselves can endure the terrific pace of modern life and the trials that it brings.