This quote offers a profound reflection on the nature of modern societies and their mechanisms of cohesion and control. It suggests that modernity's core strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse individuals—regardless of their origins, beliefs, or backgrounds—into a shared endeavor. The metaphor of a 'military campaign' highlights how societal efforts, often driven by collective goals, can serve to unify people under common causes, sometimes even at the expense of individual identity or authenticity. The focus on alleviating 'anonymous stress' points to the pervasive sense of unease or pressure that individuals experience in modern life, often stemming from societal expectations or the oppressive effects of material and existential realities. This campaign for stress relief can be seen as a mass movement that addresses the superficial symptoms rather than root causes, thus maintaining societal stability. The quote also underscores the paradox of modernity: its ability to foster inclusivity and diversity while also mobilizing populations toward collective goals that serve systemic interests. It prompts critical reflection on whether these campaigns truly lead to genuine liberation or if they simply mask deeper issues of oppression and alienation. The notion of 'oppression of the real' calls attention to how modern life can distance individuals from authentic experience, pushing them into a cycle of superficial relief. Overall, the quote encapsulates the complex interplay between societal cohesion, individual well-being, and systemic control, making us question what progress truly entails in our contemporary world.