General Graff argues that it is a common behavior of humans to attempt to use others for their own benefit and survival. Graff's own methods of training Ender to become the genius military commander humanity desperately needed while caring little about Ender's mental and physical state serve as a prime example of how a single person was forced to carry a burden that eventually benefited humanity greatly. Throughout the book, little regard is given for Ender himself, but rather, his uses. This is made evident by Graff's regarding Ender’s promotion to commander, “…I hope you had a nice, nice time being happy, Ender. It might be the last time in your life…Your dear Uncle Graff has plans for you (Card 155).” In addition, Graff also states that the children within Battle School should have as little adult interference as possible in matters between themselves, to the point of ignoring the considerable threat Bonzo poses to Ender. “Ender Wiggin must believe that no matter what happens, no adult will ever, ever step in to help him in any way. He must believe, to the core of his soul, that he can only do what he and the other children work out for themselves. If he does not believe that, then he will never reach…show more content… Many ancient civilizations believed that killing one with a specific purpose in mind (such as winning a war or improving crop yields) would have the gods look favorably upon them, resembling Graff’s quote concerning individual human beings being used as tools when humanity needed them. Furthermore, many human sacrifices throughout history have been performed not just on criminals and other undesirables, but even innocents and sometimes royalty as those directing the act felt they would be valued more by their supposed overlords. In some cases, the entire process was consensual with willing participants who believed that by offering their lives to the gods they were ensuring the continued prosperity of the
