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Gilbert: You are a Partisan. That's very interesting. A soldier without a front. Are you a good soldier? Are you prepared to pay the price?
Flammen: What price?
Gilbert: What do you think? Your life. You see, there can only be three reasons for fighting in a war. Firstly, career opportunity. It's widespread, but does not produce good soldiers. You have a fear of dying and only think of peace. Secondly, ideology. Love of the mother country. That is much more intriguing, but the dreamer breaks down. He doesn't have the strength. He's shallow. The frivolous and presumptuous nature of youth. Unless he's passionate; fanatical if you will. That makes for a good soldier.
Flammen: And thirdly?
Gilbert: Hate. Hatred of your enemy. Hate seduces you into doing things you never thought yourself capable of. Unless the hatred is caused by a personal neurosis...
Flammen: What are you saying?
Gilbert: The neurotic is intelligent and he has doubts. If he is betrayed, his hatred fades; and doubt sets in. War does nothing for the neurotic. The gentle loving father is not to be found in war. Your cause, Christiansen; is legitimate. Now, you must become a good soldier.
Lars Mikkelsen
Extended Reading
