The fact that Helmholtz and Wiley don’t need to use violence to recruit people for the Martian Army is also rather depressing, as it is the direct result of a lack of opportunities on Earth. It is relevant to note that Vonnegut, despite being pacifist, voluntarily enlisted in the army during World War II in order to avoid being conscripted involuntarily. His real-life decision hearkens to
The Sirens of Titan’s exploration of free will versus control, as it arguably suggests that choosing to do something is more noble than being forced to do it—even if the outcome is ultimately the same.