In 1940 Mr. Dino Buzzati wrote an iconic novel: "The Tartars Steppe". The story of a young officer sent to a remote outpost overlooking a desolate desert, from where the barbarians are threatening to invade his Country. Lieutenant Drogo will waste his whole life waiting in vain for the action to start and will die alone, after leaving the fortress, without having done anything but vigil on nothingness.
@graemestevens thanks, Mr. S. Much appreciated!
The Lieutenant rather disproves this.