It is part of human nature to desire companionship, whether it comes from a mother becoming attached to a child or a person following a leader. Humans desire acceptance and appreciation from others and they find this from a companion who also wants appreciation.
People start to feel compassion for a leader, like Lincoln, when he or she is strong, just, passionate, and agrees with the people's beliefs and ideals.
1776-12-25, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
When people have compassion for a leader, like Washington, they will follow the leader somewhat blindly through the harshest of conditions.
D-Day Landings, Robert Sargent, 1944-06-06, From the collection of: Getty Images
As in this picture, people will fight for and beside companions. This makes companionship appealing because people want to have someone to have their back.
Bib Virgin And Child Raphel Only Sistine Madonna, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
A mother quickly develops strong compassion for her child. this causes the child to develop a equally strong compassion for her.
Battle of the Nudes, Antonio del Pollaiolo, circa 1470 - 1490, From the collection of: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
When two factions of people enter a conflict, as in this piece, it is human nature to identify with the ideals of one faction and in turn, kindle feelings of anger and violence toward the other faction and its beliefs.
Gloria Vanderbilt Wedding, Gordon Parks, 1956-08-28, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
People also seek out companionship in the form of a relationship. This can be seen by men bring flowers for women, as in this picture.
War 1765-1782 American Independance Battles Bunker Hill And Charlestown, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
People, as in this sketch, are empowered by camaraderie to fight. When you have multiple people fighting on your side, your companions allow you to feel safer and in turn fight better. If one of a person's partners falls in battle, the person will also have improved performance on the battle field due to a state of directional rage.
The siesta (after Millet), Vincent van Gogh, 1890, From the collection of: Musée d’Orsay, Paris
This shows that people feel safe, at peace, and are more trusting when they are near their companions. This is why people desire and seek out companionship.
Credits: All media
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