The ultimate high ...

Chris Hedges speaks the truth. Unvarnished, wise and always in context, he's a reporter for the ages like Seymour Hersh and Robert Fisk. In his 2002 book, War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning, he talks of combat being the ultimate high, something my brothers relate to when talking about guys they knew who were war junkies to the max. As reference as to why this notion rings true, George S. Patton's quotes awaits.

“Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood.”

“I am convinced that much more emphasis should be placed on history. The purpose of history is to learn how human beings react when exposed to the danger of wounds or death...”

“Just drive down that road until you get blown up.”

“The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his”

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

And finally ...

“Compared to war, all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance.

God help me, I do love it so.”

George S. Patton