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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 Ref
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.
| 20479 | People at home care far more than soldiers risking death about the outcome of wars [Montaigne] |
| 20480 | There is not much point in only becoming good near the end of your life [Montaigne] |
| 20481 | Nothing we say can be worse than unsaying it in the face of authority [Montaigne] |
| 20482 | Virtue inspires Stoics, but I want a good temperament [Montaigne] |