Preface:
Welcome to “Explorations in Human Motivation and War’s Impact,” an anthology that explores the intricate relationship between human motives and war’s lasting effects throughout time and civilizations. This eclectic collection of books spans millennia and shows the inherent motivations that drive people and the far-reaching consequences of battle on soldiers and civilians. These narratives revolve around human needs for belonging, power, and success. This literary voyage shows that these essential motivations are dynamic and interwoven with human existence. The anthology also indicates how these drives persist from ancient works to timeless classics, illustrating the human psyche’s invariability.
The first section, “Motivation-related values across cultures,” examines how affiliation, power, and achievement motivate people. According to psychologist David McClelland, these reasons help us understand timeless stories across eras and civilizations. Our journey begins with characters driven by their need to belong in “Motivated by Need of Affiliation.” From the Hebrew Bible, Luke 22:54-75 shows how social conformity and rejection fear interact. Peter’s denial of Jesus’ affiliation leads to this. In Judges 13,14,15, Samson’s compromise for a woman’s love has disastrous results, revealing allegiance and cultural expectations.
Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” takes us into the psyche of a man tempted to renounce reality for chivalric ideals. Don Quixote’s pursuit of social prestige shows how association can change society and push boundaries. The second part, “Motivated by Need of Power,” explores the motivations behind personal and socialized power. Euripides’ “Medea” shows the terrible implications of a woman’s desire for power, while William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” shows how ambition and paranoia lead to danger. Niccolò Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” a political classic, provides unique insights into power acquisition and retention.
The collection then turns to “Motivated by Need of Achievement,” featuring stories of those driven to succeed. Gilgamesh, the epic’s king, risks his life for adventure and challenges, revealing the sacrifices and erroneous choices made for personal success. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” depicts a prince driven by justice and goal-setting, whereas Antoine Galland’s “One Thousand and One Nights” ends with a joyous celebration of achievement-based motivation.
These works illuminate human drive and its significant impact on individual lives. The craving for association, power, and achievement drives characters to glory or sorrow, positive or negative.
In the second section, “No Man’s Land: War’s Effect on the Warrior and the Civilian,” the anthology discusses war’s physical effects. Wars have irreparably harmed both combatants and civilians. In “Harm to the Soldier,” the anthology examines war’s psychological impact on soldiers. Achilles’ anguish and loss fuel his anger in Homer’s “Iliad.” Rambo’s PTSD turns a routine arrest into a violent survival struggle in David Morrell’s “First Blood” about war’s psychological repercussions. The “Song of Roland” shows how soldiers are dehumanized, and the “Tale of the Heike” shows how battle affects them mentally, even after winning. Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” shows troops’ emotional toll, highlighting war’s agony.
Following “Harm to the Innocent,” the collection examines war’s effects on civilians.
Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” satirizes how ladies desperate for peace use unusual means to end conflict. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” examines war’s political and civilian effects, while “Beowulf” examines heroism and destruction. The collection features Fallout, a post-apocalyptic video game, and Keiji Nakazawa’s graphic novel “Barefoot Gen.” Fallout’s opening statement emphasizes war’s cyclical nature, and Barefoot Gen mourns the atomic bomb’s devastating effects on humans. These stories show war’s physical, emotional, and social impact. The anecdotes show how combatants and civilians suffer collateral harm, posing moral considerations regarding war’s lasting effects. The thoughts and reflections in this collection go beyond old writings and screens. They cross time and culture to explore the human drive and the dismal impacts of war.
Join us as we explore human motives and the tenacity that endures war’s hardships. “Explorations in Human Motivation and War’s Impact” invites readers to explore the profound truths of humanity via timeless stories.
Section 1: “Motivation-related values across cultures”
Profound determination surpasses temporal and societal boundaries. The extensive body of writing about this fundamental force demonstrates that it has inspired writers and philosophers throughout history. “Motivation-related values across cultures” explores ancient writings and literary works to get insight into the driving forces behind human behavior. Throughout history, motivation has been a driving force for humans in times of crisis, resulting in enhanced quality of life, achievement, prosperity, and contentment. Mark Anthony significantly influenced the Romans, compelling them to alter their position through his motivational efforts(Iguisi). Throughout history, leaders have utilized a range of motivating and persuasion tactics. The same applies to accomplished managers. These literary studies exemplify the driving forces behind human actions and explore enduring topics. A perpetual subject is an affiliation, the inherent desire for connection and inclusion that results in the formation of relationships. Stories that highlight the necessity of human connection effectively exemplify this concept. The concept of power, which holds significant influence, has been extensively examined throughout history, revealing its allure and repercussions.
Finally, authors and readers have been intrigued by the ambition for achievement, which motivates people to improve themselves and society. In “Motivation-related values across cultures,” we celebrate these essential motivations’ longevity in literature and their lasting impact on the human psyche. This exploration shows that while eras and civilizations change, our underlying motives remain timeless and universal, connecting us across human history and varied cultural landscapes.
1.1 “Motivated by Need of Affiliation”
Luke 22:54-75 (Hebrew Bible): Peter’s denial in Luke 22:54-75 exposes affiliation motivation. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, rejects his relationship with him under persecution. The need for attachment drives Peter to remove himself from his spiritual leader out of fear of social rejection(101. Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:54-62)). This story shows the human struggle to belong and people’s sacrifices to escape social solitude. Judges 13,14,15 (Hebrew Bible): Samson’s narrative reveals the importance of association. Love for a Philistine woman drives Samson to break his Nazirite vows(Samson Narrative in Judges 13-16 and Its Significance for Leadership in the 21). Samson’s acts cause personal tragedy and sacrifice. This story shows the complex dynamics of human relationships by contrasting individual affinity with societal norms that often conflict. In Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” the titular character seeks chivalry, changing the theme of allegiance. Don Quixote wants a romanticized, chivalric life to boost his social position(Hidalgo de Jesús). He sees the everyday as heroic due to his rich imagination, emphasizing the transformational potential of association. Through Don Quixote, Cervantes examines the human desire for belonging and purpose, even if it means believing in illusions.
1.2 “Motivated by Need of Power”
Euripides’ “Medea” explores the darker side of motivation, showing how the protagonist’s desire for power causes tragedy. After her husband abandons her, Medea seeks retribution and control. Her goal for personal power led to disastrous repercussions, showing the dangers of unbridled ambition(Cairns). The drama explores power dynamics and the moral difficulties of dominance seekers. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” (1606) explores ambition and power’s corruption. A noble knight becomes a tyrant due to predictions and Lady Macbeth’s manipulation(Alvis et al.). The play warns against the psychological toll of unchecked ambition and moral decay in the pursuit of power. In “The Prince” (1513), Niccolò Machiavelli challenges conventional thinking with novel beliefs on power(The Prince | Niccolo Machiavelli | Lit2Go ETC). Machiavelli believes rulers should be feared over adored because the ends justify the methods. This investigation of social and political power challenges readers to rethink standard ideas and offers a new perspective on power’s motivations.
1.3 “Motivated by Need of Achievement”
Gilgamesh (2100 BC, Unknown): This epic takes us back to ancient Mesopotamia to explore the eponymous king’s ambitions. Despite his privilege, Gilgamesh’s yearning for adventure and challenge shows the human will to excel(George). The story explores the hazards and rewards of personal success and the human condition. Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1609): Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” features a multifaceted character driven by justice and ambition. Hamlet seeks revenge for his father’s murder amid political intrigue and moral difficulty(William). The drama explores the psychological complexities of motivation, showing how fairness and personal ambitions cause internal and external conflicts. As a refreshing finish to this subchapter, Antoine Galland’s “One Thousand and One Nights” shows how success leads to success. Scheherazade uses storytelling to survive so she can overthrow the king. This story shows how storytelling and intellectual success may change lives and how motivation can help noble goals.
1.4 “Connecting Themes and Lessons”
The last debate examines these various narratives’ common themes. Commonalities transcend time and culture, revealing human psychology. The anthology shows the complex balance between positive and bad results from affiliation, power, and achievement. Cultures share themes of sacrifice, compromise, and unbridled wants, helping us comprehend human drive. Characters propelled by belonging, control, or accomplishment go from tragic to victorious. Readers are encouraged to explore their motivations and the lessons in these timeless texts as they navigate this literary environment. The collection challenges readers to examine their causes, determining their behaviors and lives. Each narrative, a window into the human experience, adds to a rich tapestry that spans eras and civilizations, teaching the discerning reader timeless lessons.
Section 2: “No Man’s Land: War’s Effect on the Warrior and the Civilian”
War shapes warriors and civilians, leaving an indelible impression on communities. “No Man’s Land: War’s Effect on the Warrior and the Civilian” poignantly examines war’s devastating effects. It explores the physical and psychological harm heroic troops suffer on the battlefield. Trauma, grief, and battle memories weigh on these veterans, who often return home transformed. Though acknowledged, their sacrifices are paired with deep emotional wounds.
This book also examines civilian casualties in the crossfire. The civilian toll is immeasurable: families torn apart, homes devastated, lives permanently changed. “No Man’s Land” tells the terrifying stories of individuals who watch war from the sidelines, underlining the need for empathy and understanding in a violent world. The book shows the far-reaching effects of war and emphasizes the necessity for peace and diplomacy to protect fighters and civilians. This fascinating examination invites readers to consider war’s profound impact on humanity’s soul and work for a future without violence.
2.1 “Harm to the Soldier”
Iliad (Homer): Achilles in Homer’s immortal “Iliad” shows how battle affects soldiers. The epic occurs during the Trojan War, and Achilles’ anger symbolizes war’s devastating effects(Chapter 2: Homer, The Iliad – Literature, the Humanities, and Humanity). The story shows how war’s internal and external costs affect those who fight. David Morrell’s “First Blood” follows Rambo after combat. PTSD and its psychological effects after the battlefield are explored in the story((DOC) The Rambo Syndrome -Manifestations of PTSD/Combat Stress | Ben Skipper – Academia.Edu). Rambo’s battle shows the troops’ emotional trauma and the mental toll of war. The “Song of Roland,” by Turold, depicts soldiers’ dehumanization in conflict. Even at death, Roland’s unyielding commitment to his ideas portrays fighters’ inner strife. The poem challenges the cost of allegiance and the degradation of humanity amid constant battle. It makes readers consider troops’ combat ethical concerns.
Tale of the Heiki: The “Tale of the Heiki” shows how war affects people mentally, even after victory. The Japanese Revolution story highlights warriors’ emotional toll. It confronts triumph by showing weeping for fallen opponents and the lasting human relationships beyond the battlefield. Soldiers’ complex emotions are explored in this story(Varley). The Things They Carried (O’Brien): Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” explores Vietnam War soldiers’ emotional baggage. Soldiers’ physical and mental burdens are intertwined throughout the story. Through vivid storytelling, O’Brien investigates the junction of physical and psychological harm, giving a visceral knowledge of combat’s complex reality.
2.2 “Harm to the Innocent”
Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata” takes a novel approach to war by focusing on civilian efforts to halt it. The drama examines women’s unorthodox peacemaking methods. Civilians resist power dynamics and demonstrate their agency by refusing sexual interactions. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” examines war’s political and human effects(William). The drama explores how conflict affects leadership and society. The story emphasizes the relationship between war and governance, inviting reflection on how military actions shape culture. The film “Beowulf” examines war’s aftermath and the difference between heroism and destruction. Beowulf’s heroic deeds raise questions about war’s legacy and community effects in the epic.
Readers are invited to consider the hero’s path as the story challenges uncomplicated heroism. Fallout: A Post-Apocalyptic RPG: The video game series “Fallout” uniquely analyzes humanity’s repeated war blunders. In a post-apocalyptic future, the game explores the conflict cycle and society’s failure to learn from the past. The interactive tale challenges players to consider the dangers of unbridled aggressiveness and self-destruction. Barefoot Gen (Keiji Nakazawa): “Barefoot Gen” is a terrifying look at how war affects civilians, especially after the atomic bomb(One). The powerful story shows the immediate and long-term devastation innocent individuals endure in conflict, forcing readers to consider its human cost. Nakazawa’s work shows how conflict destroys non-combatants.
2.3 “Reflection and Conclusion”
A mosaic of experiences emerges from this section’s varied views, presenting a complete picture of war’s multiple effects. Discussing the diverse types of harm fighters and civilians face highlights their intertwined fates. This section explores narratives that transcend time and culture to reveal universal human experiences. These stories help us grasp war’s lasting effects, from soldiers’ challenges to civilian life’s effects. The anthology’s main themes emerge, prompting readers to consider war’s ethical, psychological, and social impact. We conclude by discussing the intricate lines that connect these narratives and the harm done to troops and the innocent. The anthology shows the richness of wartime human experiences, deepening understanding of the interconnection of war-torn lives.
Conclusion
This anthology masterfully combines human drive with war’s terrible effects. We have examined the complex relationship between allegiance, power, and achievement via a rich tapestry of writings from many ages and civilizations. From biblical tales of rejection and sacrifice to eternal stories of chivalry and political intrigue, the anthology offers a vivid glimpse into the forces that drive people through time. War’s effects illuminate the warrior and civilian experiences. The collection highlights the complex complexities of human life during battle through epic heroes’ rage or post-war trauma. The juxtaposition of harm to the military and the innocent emphasizes the far-reaching implications, making readers consider how these domains are interrelated. The universal themes that transcend time and culture resonate as we read the touching stories. The collection evokes human hardships, achievements, and life lessons. Motivation and war’s aftermath reveal the collective human experience, indelibly engraved in these riveting accounts.
Works Cited
(DOC) The Rambo Syndrome -Manifestations of PTSD/Combat Stress | Ben Skipper – Academia.Edu. https://www.academia.edu/21538898/The_Rambo_Syndrome_Manifestations_of_PTSD_Combat_Stress. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
- Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:54-62). https://www.jesuswalk.com/luke/101-denial.htm. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
Alvis, John E., et al. THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF POWER IN SHAKESPEARE ’ S PLAYS THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF POWER IN SHAKESPEARE ’ S PLAYS. no. 4, 2016.
Cairns, Douglas. “The Dynamics of Emotion in Euripides’ MEDEa.” Greece and Rome, vol. 68, no. 1, 2021, pp. 8–26, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0017383520000212.
Chapter 2: Homer, The Iliad – Literature, the Humanities, and Humanity. https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/literature-humanities-humanity/chapter/chapter-2-homer-the-iliad/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
George, A. R. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” The Cambridge Companion to the Epic, Jan. 2010, pp. 1–12, https://doi.org/10.1017/CCOL9780521880947.001.
Hidalgo de Jesús, Amarilis. “Chivalry, Reading, and Women’s Culture in Early Modern Spain: From Amadís de Gaula to Don Quixote.” Journal of Gender and Sexuality Studies / Revista de Estudios de Género y Sexualidades, vol. 48, no. 2, 2022, https://doi.org/10.14321/jgendsexustud.48.2.0197.
Iguisi, Osarumwense. “Motivation-Related Values across Cultures.” African Journal of Business Management, vol. 3, no. 4, 2009, pp. 141–50, http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1380533419_Iguisi.pdf.
One, Volume. BarefootGen-V01.
Samson Narrative in Judges 13-16 and Its Significance for Leadership in the 21. pp. 282–98.
The Prince | Niccolo Machiavelli | Lit2Go ETC. https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/217/the-prince/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
Varley, Paul. “The Tale of the Heike.” Finding Wisdom in East Asian Classics, vol. 24, no. 3, 2015, pp. 248–56, https://doi.org/10.7312/columbia/9780231153973.003.0021.
William, Shakespeare. “Get Even More from the Folger.” Kung Lear, vol. 2, no. 232, 2012, p. 1223.
write