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This is called "detachment" in many areas of leadership like the military.

I'm sure everyone has personally experienced this, for example when giving advice to others. It's usually very rational and practical because you're not personally and emotionally invested in the events of their life.



We’re all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there’s still hope. But Blithe, the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you’re already dead. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you’ll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends upon it.

— Speirs, Band of Brothers (2001)


If you don’t have a need to, I’m not sure that its useful or healthy to adopt coping mechanisms that people use to endure the most traumatic experiences possible.


Just to be clear: I was certainly not making a recommendation. I agree with you.


Speirs is portrayed as somewhat of a broken man during that part of the show. So there is more context there than the quote might imply.


Jocko Podcast talks about this A LOT. Such a good podcast just in general. A bunch of prevailing themes but can take a little bit out of each.




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