Zakalwe, in all human societies we have ever reviewed, in every age and every state, there has seldom if ever been a shortage of eager young males prepared to kill and die to preserve the security, comfort and prejudices of their elders, and what you call heroism is just an expression of this simple fact; there is never a scarcity of idiots.
The quote by Iain M. Banks highlights a recurring theme in human societies throughout history: the readiness of young men to fight, often driven by the desires of older generations. This tendency to prioritize the security and needs of their elders can lead to acts of violence and sacrifice, which are often framed as heroic. Banks points out that this willingness is not a rare occurrence but a common trait observed...
