35 The Warrior Archetype

Episode Thirty-Five: “I Have Come to Hate War”

The writer of historical fiction must sometimes bend true-life characters to fit his conception of a story’s theme. In The Virtues of War, I made the historical Hephaesteion, Alexander’s dearest friend and second-in-command, take a stand for compassion and empathy for others.

He becomes the character who feels the most deeply for the defeated and the subjected.

In today’s episode, we let him speak on the topic of the Warrior Archetype.

Subscribe here for the full series, or watch previous episodes here

Subscribe here for the full series, or watch previous episodes here

19 Comments

  1. Andrew+Lubin on December 14, 2020 at 7:17 am

    Hephaestion’s may have been a fictional quote, but his point about the moral difference in sacking Persepolis as opposed to an unnecessary invasion of India is well made – and how noteworthy that altho Alexander would not back down, he then tried to temper his invasions by integrating the conquered into his empire.

    It brings to mind a quote from the Civil War’s Gen Sherman: “It is only those who have not heard a shot, nor heard the shrills & groans of the wounded & lacerated (friend or foe) that cry aloud for more blood & more vengeance, more desolation & so help me God as a man & soldier I will not strike a foe who stands unarmed & submissive before me but will say ‘Go sin no more.”

    A discussion on the need for war between Sherman and Hephaestion would be most interesting.

  2. Brian Nelson on December 14, 2020 at 8:15 am

    I just finished “Virtues of War” last week. This passage resonated with me as well.

    Frequently on this site, there is an authentic push-back from some of the readers about the ‘virtues’ of the Warrior Archetype, and of course the relentless pursuit of war.

    To bring Hephaesteion’s quote to the present, he might would likely have encouraged the Bush/Cheney Administration to stop the War on Terror after the Taliban fell. What good came out of the war in Iraq?

    To be clear, I was one of those who believed we needed to put a footprint in Iraq. I lived in Germany from 1992-1995, and concluded that the presence of US Soldiers in Europe had kept the peace for 50 years. I suspect that 1946-2020 has been the longest stretch of peace Europe has witnessed since the fall of the Roman Empire. I felt we could do the same thing in the Middle East.

    How many German, Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, British, French have become US citizens by marrying GIs? Tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands over the past 70 years. This is healthy and good for all countries.

    While deployed to AF in 2006, the topic of ‘Democracy and Islam” was a frequent conversation. “Sharia Law is incongruent with Democracy…” was a common plank of argument. I thought that Islam was much closer to the West than the belief that the Emperor of Japan was God incarnate…and I doubt the Japanese would want to return to 1940s.

    Maybe Hephaesteion’s quote should be looked at from the perspective of the individual and the ‘war’ we wage domestically within our families, with our neighbors, with ‘those jackasses’ who voted for Trump or the ‘Libtards’ who voted for Biden.

    My guess is that one of the main points Steven is going to get to with with series is that the true war is within. How do we incorporate and embrace the Warrior Archetype to slay our own demons?

    Utopians believe we can fix the human condition with human engineering, laws, taxes, leveling of the conditions…

    I’m no Utopian. If we are to ever find Heaven on Earth, it will be because a plurality of 9 billion people have gone to war with themselves in order to tame the beast. In Pressfield parlance, Turn Pro.

    And I prefer the Monday/Wednesday/Friday battle rhythm…just sayin…
    bsn

  3. find a word on December 15, 2020 at 1:19 am

    “Sharia Law is incongruent with Democracy…

  4. Anon on December 15, 2020 at 2:04 am

    “Sharia Law is incongruent with Democracy…” or with peace.

  5. Joe on December 15, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Appreciate your comments, Brian and Andrew.

  6. Joe on December 15, 2020 at 9:32 am

    Another thought: for writers who write well about hating war, I’d count Tim O’Brien and Vonnegut.

    Did you-all see they’re making a film of “The Things They Carried”?

    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13392388/

  7. Jenniffer Watson on March 6, 2021 at 9:17 am

    Oh, great, your article provided me with useful information and a fresh perspective

  8. Nova Alexander on June 28, 2021 at 2:41 am

    It reminds us of a quote from General Sherman in the Civil War: “Only those who have not heard the sound of a bullet, nor the cries and groans of the wounded and torn (friend or foe) who cry out loudly for more blood and more vengeance, more ruin, so God help me as a man and a soldier I will not strike an enemy who stands defenseless and submissive before me, but I will say, “Forgive no more.”

  9. Joel Branham on July 3, 2021 at 5:50 am

    Leen Geek Blogging is a green consumer blog that aims to provide a sustainable lifestyle to the masses. Its ethos that a green lifestyle does not mean sacrifice, and its positive and optimistic sentiment has attracted more than 1.8 million unique monthly users. Leen Geek Blogging is consistently ranked among the top 20 blogs on Technorati, has 10 employees, but also includes 40 writers from a variety of backgrounds in more than 10 countries around the world, who create over 30 new posts daily across eight categories, ranging from From fashion and beauty, to travel and nature, to science and technology.

  10. Regina's Laser and Skin Clinic on July 13, 2021 at 11:35 pm

    Regina’s are one of the best limerick beauty salons. We are also proficient in treating various skin ailments, from signs of dry and ageing, dehydrated skin. We can create a targeted, effective skincare regime to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin dramatically. We have been established for over 40 years. We are pleased to have developed a loyal and growing clientele during our attention on impeccable service and providing the best results-driven laser and beauty treatments.

  11. line on August 17, 2021 at 12:09 am

    Share with you many happy things cookie clicker unblocked

  12. Mark Walcott on September 4, 2021 at 12:19 am

    Thanks for sharing the valuable information for all.
    Glow Offers Photo Booth Rental services in around 20 cities Around America. Please contact us to go over our choices for your next occasion!

  13. enney Beverly on November 26, 2021 at 11:04 am

    Decided to meet a Mexican woman, but do not know how and where? Not a problem! Our online dating platform https://bridesformarriage.net/latin-brides-for-marriage/mexican-brides-for-marriage/ will help you.
    Mexican Brides For Marriage are truly some of the finest in the world; tan skin and black hair are common among most Mexicans. Actually, what else can you think of? Naturally, thin and puffy, but strong and thin bodies, a sad look and a confident posture. All this fascinates, but you need to know how to properly conquer the heart of an incredible Mexican beauty.

  14. Divers Club on March 14, 2022 at 11:27 am

    The Divers Club organizes diving and snorkeling tours, water sports, beach parties, corporate events and many other tours including Pakistan Tour, Charna Island, kund Malir, Gorakh Hills, Astola Island and much more. Join us for a once in a lifetime experience!

  15. Thomas Long on March 29, 2022 at 12:08 am

    An excellent example of both sides of the warrior archetype. I understand what you mean about each character’s contribution to the narrative.
    Visit this: tow truck company near me

  16. kupplin wouldwild on June 6, 2022 at 11:56 am

    This was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a top-notch article… but I want to recommend a good and trusted site just click the link

  17. Idle Breakout on April 19, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    This post was excellent in every way. putting up the time and effort necessary to create a top-notch article

  18. Pics Art Mod APk on September 19, 2023 at 10:52 pm

    Are you eagerly waiting for the BA 1st Year Result 2023? Checking the result of BA Part 1 is an important step toward your academic progress and future aspirations. Here, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about checking the BA 1st Year Result 2023.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply





Patronu aradığında sürekli hasta olduğunu söyleyerek iş yerine yalan söylüyor porno hikaye Patronu artık bu kadarının gerçek olamayacağını ve rapor görmek istediğini dile getirip telefonu kapatıyor türbanlı Olgun kadın hemen bilgisayarının başına geçip özel bir doktor buluyor ve onu arayarak evine davet ediyor porno Muayene için eve gelen doktor olgun kadını muayene ediyor ve hiç bir sıkıntı olmadığını söylüyor brazzers porno Sarışın ablamız ise iş yerine rapor götürmesi gerektiğini bu yüzden rapor yazmasını istiyor brazzers porno fakat doktor bunun pek mümkün olmadığını dile getiriyor sex hikayeleri Daha sonra evli olan bu kahpe doktora iş atarak ona yavşıyor ve istediğini alana kadar durmuyor Porno İzle Karılarını takas etmek isteyen elemanlar hep birlikte evde buluşuyor türkçe porno Güzel vakit geçirdikten sonra kızlara isteklerini iletiyorlar ve hatunlarda kocalarının bu isteklerini kabul ediyorlar seks hikayeleri Hemen ellerine telefonları alan elemanlar karılarına video eşliğinde sakso çektiriyorlar porno izle Hiç beklemeden sikişe geçen elemanlar hatunları değiştire değiştire sikmeye başlıyorlar.