[May 18, 2026] There’s an old U.S. Army Engineer motto “Essayons” which means “Let us Try.” Put into different words it could have said that Engineers accept any challenge. The core idea is social, moral, and personal; grow and protect your family and community, and foster your own development.
The idea is ancient. Roman stoic philosopher Seneca once said that “No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.” Well said and the point that should not be lost. Those who do, thrive. Those who sit, die.
“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Accepting the challenge creates a growth mindset. Those challenges build ability; accepting them fosters development vs. fixed mindset avoidance. For example, the good mother is the one who pushes her children out into the world, knowing full well that they will be hurt and even killed.
She knows that her children cannot become strong without an ability to voluntarily accept challenges that the outside world provides. Her children develop self-efficacy, boosting confidence through the mastery of experiences, while refusal signals doubt.
Accepting challenges cultivates grit and determination, forging resilience. It trains stress tolerance and strengthens recovery from failure. It trains commitment, public acceptance, creates the conditions of accountability, and reduces the tendency to procrastination.
Accepting challenges transforms potential into proven strength, echoing ancient wisdom and modern insight alike. Step forward boldly and build a life defined by resilience, growth, and victory.
Embrace every challenge with the spirit of “Essayons.” Doing so forges stronger individuals, families, and communities that thrive through adversity rather than shrink from it. Accept the challenge, prove yourself.
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Well, old Army Engineer “Essayons” hits the nail on the head—let’s try, or let’s quit whining. In this snowflake era of safe spaces, real conservatives know adversity isn’t optional; it’s the forge that tempers steel. Seneca nailed it: dodge hardship and you’re just a fancy couch potato, unhappy and unproven. Pushing kids into the world? That’s not cruelty, that’s love—unlike today’s helicopter parents raising fragile wards of the state. Grit beats government handouts every time; trials build men, not entitlements. Bible’s spot on too—count it joy, because perseverance turns boys into leaders, not victims. Avoid challenges and watch your community rot in mediocrity, just like big-government experiments always do. Me? I’d rather fail spectacularly than succeed at nothing, thank you.
This article’s a refreshing gut punch against the cult of comfort. Conservatives thrive by embracing the suck; liberals sue it. So saddle up, folks—Essayons, and let’s make America gritty again.
😁 Great comment Cowboy Bob. 😁
I agree with Gen. Satterfield’s article’s call to embrace challenges. “Essayons” inspires action and growth. Adversity builds resilience and self-efficacy. Avoiding trials leads to stagnation. Accepting them forges stronger leaders and communities.
NICE …. CLASSIC GEN. DOUG SATTERFIELD .. IN THIS ARTICLE