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Through out EG and somewhat through the shadow series its comes about the reason why Ender is such a great commander. Everybody loves him, and would do anything for him. His friendly behavior and people skillz(along with his brilaince) served him very well. Though there is a differnt course to take. Many military leaders try to be everybodys' friend. (Getting to main point ) last night i watched Patton, a movie discribing the life of General William A. Patton through out WW2. His tactics for war was very different. He loved it, insted of pushing it away as Ender did slowly, and Patton was (tryed to as much as humanly possible) fearless. He didnt try to win over his troops with love, he just relied that his soldiers would want victory as much as him, and it appeared through the 3rd division pushing through europe, General Patton was succesfull in his Type Of Leading Skills
[ June 02, 2005, 02:53 AM: Message edited by: Orson Scott Card ]
Posts: 262 | Registered: Jan 2005
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The key similarity between Patton and Ender is that they both USED their armies effectively. When soldiers lay their lives on the line, they do it far more willingly if they believe that doing so will amount to something. It's when they think their leader is a fool or a politician that they become reluctant to fight. Why, to advance his career? To be wasted in some idiotic venture that can't succeed?
Patton made it clear to his men that he didn't care about his own "career," he only cared about victory. He also flattered them constantly, telling them what they were capable of, and NEVER being abusive or trying to frighten them (the slapping incident was, in his mind, not directed at a GOOD soldier; he spoke to his men as if they were all good soldiers).
Patton's love of war was not said in public in front of his men.
But if you think Patton wasn't telling his men he loved them, you need to look more closely at the record. Ender wasn't patting their little heads, either. He demanded a lot from them, but then when they learned what he wanted them to, they saw the value of it. Patton: ditto.
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) last night i watched Patton, a movie discribing the life of General William A. Patton through out WW2. His tactics for war was very different. He loved it, insted of pushing it away as Ender did slowly, and Patton was (tryed to as much as humanly possible) fearless. He didnt try to win over his troops with love, he just relied that his soldiers would want victory as much as him, and it appeared through the 3rd division pushing through europe, General Patton was succesfull in his Type Of Leading Skills
