I think that such self sacrifice among the Aztecs is very different to the politically and militarily oriented sacrifices you mention. The former has no reason

I think that such self sacrifice among the Aztecs is very different to the politically and militarily oriented sacrifices you mention. The former has no reasonable or practical reasoning. The later - does, as I think any service member will understand. Every mission has some degree of likelihood that one will face death, some are just willing to up the ante to . a much greater level. The belief in some kind of 'special heaven' is not really the motivating force, it just kind of makes it easier to do.