[June 11, 2023] In a recent article by Gary Saul Morson titled Do Russians Miss War?, he asks appropriate questions about the Russian culture of war (link here). This is not that dissimilar to two articles I wrote a while back that asked Do you miss war? , and Why Soldiers Miss War. Morson’s main point is that we, the West, do not recognize the Russian view of war, which will inevitably lead to our development of a poor foreign policy.
But I think his points also underlay much of the misunderstanding of the human psyche, which may be just an aversion to a very dark, dangerous, and destructive part of human nature. This deficiency in our knowledge means that what we do will be counterproductive.
“The extent to which World War II and all previous wars extending back a thousand years define Russian national identity is truly astonishing.”
Suppose you’ve ever traveled to Russia, especially to large cities. In that case, you will see war monuments, witness the celebration of war heroes, and experience the glorification of those men who ‘saved’ the motherland from the intervention of outsiders who would destroy all things Russian.
“Wars figure in American history, of course, but they do not define what it is to be an American. The military in the United States may be respected, but it is not sacred, and criticism of it does not constitute blasphemy, as criticism of the Russian military often does.”
It is no surprise, Morson notes, that war means something different to the average Russian. Even the churches in Russia are tied closely to this Russian cultural thought on war.
“In 1988, the church canonized Dmitry Donskoy, the first Russian leader to defeat the Mongols in battle.”
And this is the basis of Russia’s understanding of the world. They exist to save the world from the hordes of savages that would destroy everything.
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- “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
Hey good folks, please take a look a Gen. Satterfield’s Daily Favorites. He gives us two articles per day that are always good reading. But, if you are a liberal, progressive, baby diaper wearing commie tyrant wannabe, then I suggest you do elsewhere and love on your dolls and coloring books. This blog is not for you. But for normal people, you are right at home.
Pow, nailed it Rown.
Excellent article and thanks for highlighting Morson’s work.
“And this is the basis of Russia’s understanding of the world. They exist to save the world from the hordes of savages that would destroy everything.” — Gen. Satterfield. I think Gen. S. has expressed a similar view in an earlier article but I cannot remember which one. What the main message that he is trying to tell us is that others do not think like we do in the “west”. Just look at how many subcultures in America, just ignore how things work and expect to be treated special. Hard not to find plenty of example. Look to college campuses for many many examples of spoiled, little snowflakes.
BTW, Gen. Satterfield, how did the funeral go yesterday?
Boy Sue, I am happy to report that the funeral was well attended and emotional for those involved. The town of Mays Landing, NJ did themselves proud. I want to thank Bob Campbell of Mays Landing for his efforts.
Thank you sir.
That is a scary article. Made me flinch. Gen. Satterfield, you certainly know how to pick a good article, one that certainly scares the sh$$ out of us. Keep it up. Sometimes we do have to look into the dark abyss to find what we want to find and with it something we fear. Look into the abyss.
Martin, yes, you are right. And that is why much of what Gen. Satterfield writes is so often influenced, properly, by Dr.Jordan Peterson.
Yep, nailed it solidly. Oh, don’t forget to get a copy of Gen. Satterfield’s books and leave a COMMENT in Amazon. He will appreciate it.
The influences are many because his experiences are many. We all should be so lucky.
… and that is why I read his blog. If anyone can find a better leadership blog, then let us know. I’m sure we would like to read it too. Keep up the great works you are doing, Gen. Satterfield, lots of real quality fans here.
Very interesting that strikes to the dual heart of mankind.