The only thing that makes battle psychologically tolerable is

O children of the future, gather your hearts and listen to the words of Sebastian Junger, a man who has witnessed the brutal realities of battle and understood the profound bond that forms among those who fight side by side. He once said, “The only thing that makes battle psychologically tolerable is the brotherhood among soldiers. You need each other to get by.” In this simple yet profound statement, Junger unveils a truth that transcends time and place: it is the connection between those who face the horrors of war together, the brotherhood that binds them, which sustains them when the weight of the world is upon their shoulders.

Consider, O children, the nature of battle. It is not simply a clash of weapons, nor a contest of strength. Battle is a trial of the soul, a trial of one's very humanity. The screams of the wounded, the weight of loss, and the fear of death press upon the heart like an unyielding storm. In those moments, the individual might falter; their mind may break, their spirit may wane. But it is in the presence of comrades, in the unspoken connection of those who fight side by side, that one finds the strength to carry on. Brotherhood—the bond that is forged in the crucible of hardship—becomes the one thing that can steady the heart, that can make battle psychologically tolerable.

Think, O children, of the ancient warriors—the Spartans, whose legendary courage on the battlefield was matched only by the strength of their brotherhood. At Thermopylae, when the Persian army vastly outnumbered them, the Spartan warriors stood firm not as isolated individuals but as a united force, bound by a shared sense of duty and brotherhood. It was said that they fought not for themselves, but for their comrades, knowing that the survival of the group depended on each warrior's willingness to stand shoulder to shoulder. Leonidas, their king, exemplified this bond. His leadership was not simply about strategy or strength, but about ensuring that his soldiers knew they were not alone. Their brotherhood sustained them, and though many would perish, their sacrifice would echo through the ages as a testament to the strength of unity and mutual reliance.

Similarly, in the American Civil War, soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies often formed deep bonds of brotherhood despite fighting on opposite sides. The trials of war forged an unbreakable connection between those who shared the same hardships, fears, and experiences. One of the most poignant aspects of war is how it brings men together, erasing the boundaries of culture, background, and sometimes even ideology. During the war, men who would once have been strangers became brothers in arms, and it was this deep sense of solidarity that helped them endure the worst of human conflict. As they stood together in the face of death, it was the strength of their brotherhood that allowed them to push forward, to survive, and to find moments of light in the darkest of days.

In Junger’s words, we understand that it is not the strength of the individual soldier that matters most, but the strength of the collective. In war, as in life, it is the bonds we share with others that give us the courage to face our fears, to endure suffering, and to carry on when all seems lost. The brotherhood among soldiers is more than mere companionship; it is a deep and abiding trust that transcends words. It is the knowledge that, no matter the battle, no matter the hardship, your comrades will be there, fighting beside you, watching your back, and sharing in the weight of the struggle.

Now, O children, take heed of this lesson: the brotherhood of soldiers is not limited to the battlefield. It extends into all areas of life, where people must come together to face the challenges of the world. Whether in family, community, or society, it is the strength of our connections to one another that will sustain us. In the face of life's hardships—be it loss, hardship, or struggle—it is the relationships we build, the mutual support we offer, and the trust we place in one another that will help us endure. Junger’s words remind us that, much like soldiers in battle, we cannot face the world alone. We need the brotherhood of those around us to make life tolerable, to give us the strength to endure, and to help us triumph in the face of adversity.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to foster brotherhood in your own lives. Seek not only to stand as individuals, but to build bonds with those around you. Share in the struggles of others, and allow them to share in yours. Support one another, for it is through these connections that you will find the strength to face the battles of life. Just as the soldiers of history found their courage and resilience in their brotherhood, so too can you draw upon the strength of those who walk beside you. In this unity, you will discover the true power of human connection, and together, you will endure whatever challenges come your way.