War Prisoners and Emotional Intelligence

War prisoners often face extreme emotional challenges, including isolation, trauma, and uncertainty about their futures. In order to survive these difficult conditions, many prisoners have used emotional intelligence to build resilience, connect with others, and maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Here are a few real-life examples:

• John McCain: McCain, a former U.S. Senator and prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, used his emotional intelligence to help him survive years of captivity. Despite enduring physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his captors, McCain maintained a positive attitude and used humor and empathy to connect with his fellow prisoners. He also refused to be broken by his captors, drawing on his own inner strength and resilience to persevere.
• Primo Levi: Levi, an Italian Jewish chemist and Holocaust survivor, used his emotional intelligence to connect with his fellow prisoners and maintain his humanity in the face of extreme cruelty. In his memoir “If This Is a Man,” Levi describes how he and his fellow prisoners formed close bonds with each other, sharing food and clothing and offering emotional support during moments of despair. He also used his intelligence and education to stay mentally engaged, helping him to stay alive and maintain a sense of purpose.
• John McCain: McCain, a former United States Senator and presidential candidate, was held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War for over five years. During his captivity, McCain demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence by using humor, wit, and compassion to connect with his fellow prisoners and lift their spirits. He also used his empathy and understanding to communicate with his captors and negotiate for better treatment.
• Ernest Shackleton: Shackleton, a British explorer, led an expedition to Antarctica in 1914 that went awry when his ship became trapped in ice. Shackleton and his crew were forced to abandon the ship and make their way across the ice to safety. During their months-long ordeal, Shackleton demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence by remaining calm, optimistic, and supportive of his crew. He used humor, empathy, and leadership to help his crew overcome their fears and maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
• James Stockdale: Stockdale, a United States Navy pilot, was shot down over North Vietnam in 1965 and held as a prisoner of war for over seven years. During his captivity, Stockdale demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence by using stoicism, self-discipline, and mental toughness to survive the harsh conditions and maintain his sense of self-worth. He also used his empathy and understanding to connect with his fellow prisoners and help them maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
• Horace Greasley: Greasley was a British soldier held as a prisoner of war by the Germans during World War II. He demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence by building a rapport with the guards and negotiating with them for extra food and better treatment. He also showed empathy and compassion for his fellow prisoners, often sharing his own rations with those who were sick or injured.
• Dieter Dengler: Dengler was a United States Navy pilot shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War and held as a prisoner of war. He demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence by using his optimism, sense of humor, and resilience to maintain his mental and emotional well-being. He also showed empathy and compassion for his fellow prisoners, often sharing his food and water with those who were struggling.
• Leonid Rogozov: Rogozov was a Soviet surgeon who was stationed at an Antarctic research station in 1961. When he developed appendicitis and the station was cut off from outside help by a blizzard, Rogozov performed an emergency appendectomy on himself using only local anesthesia and basic surgical tools. He demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence by remaining calm, focused, and determined throughout the procedure, despite the pain and difficulty of the situation.