Why Men Fight Lower Animals

The commander of a ship who coolly sends away the last lifeboat and goes down with his vessel rather than abandon it is afraid but governed by something more powerful than fear. The soldier who deliberately chooses to be blown up in order to wipe out an enemy tank or machine gun nest that would have otherwise cost the lives of his friends as ideals has indeed all it takes to make a soldier. Psychologists sometimes call it the triumph of the social over the selfish instincts. They recognize this force as the most potent weapon an army can possess men fighting for their homes could stand their ground and win against tremendous opposing forces.