I mentioned the Roman legion in a previous post. You can find that post here.

To sum up my thoughts on that matter, Roman legionnaires were strong when they fought in formation. Everything about their tactics and equipment was designed to protect not only themselves, but the people next to them. Their shields would overlap one another, they’d attack those attacking their neighbors, they’d move in unison, etc.

During the Viking era, shield walls were a thing. You’d stand in a line and present your shields forward. Multiple ranks of men with shields could push through thinner opposing line as the strength of their soldiers combined to do what one man alone could not.

Sure, they’d use their shields to protect themselves individually, but they were perhaps more important for their ability to protect others. Your shield alone can only protect you from attacks from one direction at a time, while shields in a line guard against attacks from multiple angles. The overall effect is not additive (1 + 1 = 2), but multiplicative.

So why do I bring this up?

I’ve seen too many people scoff at the idea that some types of self-defense or protection are only effective when used in large numbers. I won’t get specific here. You can probably find your own applications for this concept.

Some defenses require a group effort. In fact, humanity’s survival has often depended on mutual collaboration. We’re social creatures. Without society and without tools, we are weak.

Properly armed and adequately supported by our fellows, our individual strength is multiplied.

So stop making fun of ideas you don’t agree with. You’re only breaking the shield wall.

The Astral Wanderer is brought to you by delirious ramblings that have gotten me feeling way too sentimental. Be sure to like, share, and comment on this post. Otherwise, the fairies will get you. Really.