By autumn, what had begun as an adventurous expedition had turned into an exhausting, indecisive war of attrition in which we fought for no cause other than our own survival. based on the excerpt, the narrator understands that he has a specific responsibility but is frightened to be a part of the war effort. understands how important wars can be to a culture after he experiences one firsthand. believes there are instances when violence is a necessary evil, despite its unpleasantness. believes the reasons for fighting become muted over time and eventually all that matters is staying alive.