Single Idea 20479

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / c. Combatants]

Full Idea

How many soldiers put themselves at risk every day in wars which they care little about, rushing into danger in battles the loss of which will not make them lose a night's sleep. Meanwhile a man at home is more passionate about the war than the soldier.

Gist of Idea

People at home care far more than soldiers risking death about the outcome of wars

Source

Michel de Montaigne (III.10 On Restraining your Will [1580], p.1139)

Book Reference

Montaigne,Michel de: 'The Complete Essays', ed/tr. Screech,M.A. [Penguin 1987], p.1139


A Reaction

It depends whether you are a mercenary (which the majority probably were in 1680), and what are the implications of defeat.