General George Patton believed he was a reincarnated Roman Soldier, etc – Where did Patton get the idea that he was the reincarnation of his ancestors?

[I used to believe in reincarnation too … or at least I hoped it was true. I do enjoy it that Patton believed he had always been a warrior in past lives and he was sure he was reincarnated. He even claimed to have said he was familiar with some part of France because he had been a Roman soldier there! Lots of Whites genuinely believe in spiritual things. It may be something in our nature. I, myself, believed in this stuff. The author's answer below is excellent. Jan]

This answer however, is from an author of a book on Patton, and I think this is the best, definitive answer on the matter:

Robert K. Wilcox
Author, Journalist, Historian. 12 Books. Author has 150 answers

As a writer of one book about Patton*, I’m not specifically aware that he thought himself the reincarnation of his ancestors, although he might have. However, I do know he was a strong believer in reincarnation and believed himself to be a reincarnated warrior from many ancient wars.

A good discussion of this can be found in D’Este’s Patton: A Genius for War, Chapter 12. From hunting huge mammoth in the Ice Ages, to being part of a Greek phalanx against Cyrus the Persian, a Roman Legionnaire, a Viking, a pirate, fighting with the Scottish Highlanders and in the Hundred Years’ War, he believed his destiny through many lives was to be a soldier and a continually better and winning soldier.

He often gave lectures to friends about historical battles. When they asked him how he knew so such about the battles, he’d simply say “I was there.” He really believed it – as he believed in the immortal soul. This was one of the keys to his fearlessness. While he admitted to feeling fear in battle, he also believed that he would live again and this helped calm his fear. He looked at death as walking back through the door from which he’d entered at birth. He was more afraid, he would say, of being maimed or disfigured than losing his life. He knew he would return.

He was a God-fearing Christian who believed the soul lived on and ultimately would improve with each life. However his earthiness sometimes seemed in conflict. One of his many poems perhaps captures his spirit. Titled Mercenary’s Song, it says: “Priests talk of soul’s salvation, And shining lights afar, But give me a harlot’s laughter, and the battle flash of war…Then here’s to blood and blasphemy! And here’s to whores and drink! In life you know you’re living, In death we only stink.”

*Target Patton: The Plot to Assassinate General George S. Patton

Source: https://www.quora.com/Where-did-Patton-get-the-idea-that-he-was-the-reincarnation-of-his-ancestors