In ancient times, how did humans overcome their self-preservation instincts to engage in hand-to-hand combat during wars?

Question

In ancient times, how did humans overcome their self-preservation instincts to engage in hand-to-hand combat during wars?

In: 43

Answer 1

Don’t forget that the essence of self preservation is ‘Fight or Flight’. I’ll bet that there was plenty of tendency for flight before battle started and more seasoned soldiers would be engaged in looking out for potential fleers and putting the fear of God into them should they think of doing a bunk.