Xenophon's Vitalism

There's a deeper message in anabasis, however, beyond its straight discussion of how men lead. Some more basic character of men lurks behind and drives how the greeks saved their bacon. The search not just for survival, but for distinction and glory is natural to all men. Such vitalism is what drives a truly successful society to astounding accomplishments that only the west has ever made in human history. A channelled vitalism is enough to put fire in the veins of men.