[April 8, 2020] It is a long-held belief that war brings out both the best and worst in people. For those of us who experience combat, most would readily agree. However, war is certainly not the only thing that brings out the best and worst; all large-scale events have similar outcomes on people. I have found that people react to natural and human-made disasters as heroes or, sometimes, as villains.
“War brings out the worst and the best in people. Wars do not make men great, but they do bring out the greatness in good men.” – Dick Winters, WWII veteran, and author
I’m a fan of retired Army officer Dick Winters. I read all his books and enjoyed them, learning a lot about what it was like during World War II. He reflects what I’ve said before, that those of us who served honorably in war, more often than not, came back as better people. A few bare the mental and physical scars of close encounters with the enemy, but most are more reliable, more focused, and realize what is essential in their lives.
The Coronavirus pandemic we see today is another classic example of what brings out the best and worst in people. We are hearing about the bravery (and, yes, that is what it is) when medical staff goes to work each day into the danger of catching a potentially deadly disease. Others on the frontline like grocery checkers, police, firefighters, truck drivers, and a long list of those who are keeping us safe are showing they’re very best. To me, they are a godsend to our community.
Of course, there will be those who take advantage of the lack of police and other first responders. Stores and homes in many cities are robbed. Violent crime is up overall, and the trend seems to be increasing each time a new report comes in. I’ve seen both men and women drop into great despair, often contemplating suicide or lashing out at the “government.” It is sad to see, but many will not be able to resist the evil that may lurk in each heart.
My basic training Drill Sergeant Bryant made it clear to us puny, inexperienced Army recruits. He told us that to make us better soldiers, required him to put us through the most rigorous training he could muster. We all suffered, but we suffered together. For those of us who graduated, we were tougher, meaner, and more resilient than we had ever been in our lives. Sergeant Bryant brought out the best in us.
Excellent article, great point and one we should all see on our television sets as we watch what is happening across the world.
I agree, just sit back and watch as this plays out. Some have shown themselves to be pretty good folks (even US democrats and republicans) but others like the news media (CNN, LA Times, NYT, etc) are showing how bad they really are.
A few weeks into the virus’ onslaught in America, some commentators had soured on the shenanigans of celebrities. “I don’t care what celebs are doing in their mansions,” one wrote on Instagram. Another posted a warning: “Funny how irrelevant they become when real problems curse us.”
– from an article “Celebrities reveal new sides during virus, but face backlash”
https://apnews.com/8cea8ea54dd13dbd24a6d8e6f073af46
I just wrote on the article from yesterday that Capt Crozier should have his butt kicked for what he did. I don’t hide my feelings about stupidity. This act by Crozier was deliberate and premeditated. It was not a kneejerk act. He needs to be thrown in the brig.
Tell us what you think, old warrior. Ha Ha. I must say you are burned up about this but so am I. Anyone who believes we should be involved, however, needs to get a grip. The Navy should handle it and Pres Trump and senile, old man Joe Biden need to stay out of it.
Good point.
I’m seeing this in our world coronavirus pandemic too. The news media has done us a horrific job by putting out biased and downright wrong info, lying to us, and pandering to China and other communists. Some of our political leaders are acting as best they can but others like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Shumer have been downright evil.
You go girl and tell them what you think too. I agree a thousand percent. The media has lost it. I watch the daily briefings (see Gen. Satterfield’s Daily Favorites today) and the reporters consistently focus on trying to trip up the president and don’t care about getting the info straight. Why is that? They are simply against anything America does. They are, in a word, “evil.”
I have to agree, sadly. This has been building for a long time.
— and people like Nancy P and Chuck S. I think we have a pattern of stupidity or evil purveying our country.
Another overlooked idea that Gen Satterfield brings into the light. Leadership is very complex but doesn’t mean that it is overwhelming. With work and a little focus – with the right character mixed in with it – anyone can be a leader. You just need a touch of intelligence, a positive disposition, and some willpower. Then you have the right mix. Like my mom always said, ‘the right ingredients makes all the difference.’
I watched this series three times and well as the one they produced for the ground war in the Pacific. Each time I watch them, I find something of a detail that I missed before and learn a little bit more. Of course, they don’t directly address the issue of ‘leadership’ but I found that much of it is implied throughout. Just go to HBO website for more info. Thanks all, I highly recommend watching them.
Hi Wavy Girl, yes I too watch them more than once. Excellent series by HBO. I also suggest to readers of this leadership blog by Gen. Satterfield, that you watch Band of Brothers and Pacific. ?
Hi Tom, thank you for the compliment and your interest in the Band of Brothers. I watch war movies all the time. Some of good, some not so good. What I like to see is a bit of realism mixed in with courage and strength and honor. Everyone, have a great day. I’ve been reading more on Gen. Satterfield’s blog and like it each time I long on.
One of my favorite’s too, Wavy Girl. I have the DVD edition and will probably start re-wathcing it again tonight.
Dick Winters is a great man who served his country honorably during World War II. He and his men were what the HBO series Band of Brothers was based upon.
https://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers
“One day my grandson said to me, grandpa were you a hero in the war? And i said to him no I’m not a hero, but I have served in a company full of them.”
― Dick Winters, Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters
My great uncle was a WW2 vet. Great man in every aspect of his life. He told me once that it was the war experiences in Europe as his unit fought its way across the country, that allowed him to see the world in a better light.
Very true. I’ve seen it over and over.
Thanks Army Cpt for confirming this. I’d heard much of what Gen. Satterfield wrote about today and this is just another confirmation. Why is the real question.
Thanks for your service to the nation, AC !!