" When you’re in the military, you teeter on the edge of that line of life and death. The reason you feel so alive when you come through is because you know you’ve cheated death – and that and the adrenaline rush is addictive, no question. "
- Ant Middleton

The quote highlights a profound experience shared by those who have served in military service. It describes how individuals often find themselves in situations where life and death hang precariously close together, leading to intense emotions and heightened awareness of one's own mortality. When these soldiers return from such confrontations unscathed, they feel an immense sense of vitality and relief that comes from narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal outcome.

At its core, the quote suggests that there is a unique psychological reward for those who face life-threatening situations and survive them. The rush of adrenaline, combined with the knowledge that one has cheated death, creates a powerful emotional experience that can be both thrilling and addicting. This feeling is not limited to physical survival but also encompasses the mental and emotional resilience required to navigate such intense experiences. Over time, this can lead individuals to seek out similar high-stakes situations as a means of re-experiencing those heightened states of awareness and exhilaration.

Ant Middleton is a former British Royal Marine Commando with extensive experience in military operations and leadership roles. He has also been involved in television and media work, sharing his experiences through books and reality shows such as "Man vs Wild." His background provides him with firsthand insights into the psychological impacts of facing extreme situations, which he draws upon to convey the profound nature of survival in high-risk environments.