"My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of the higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military"
- Smedley Butler
About this Quote
Smedley Butler's quote, "My psychological professors remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of the higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military," uses a vital reflection on military obedience and the culture within armed forces. At its core, this statement highlights the stress in between individual idea and hierarchical command structures prevalent in military life.
"Suspended animation" here metaphorically describes a state where an individual's capability to believe individually or seriously is briefly postponed. In the context of the military, this recommends that soldiers might intentionally or subconsciously reduce their own judgments and ethical factors to consider in favor of complete adherence to commands. For Butler, this is not simply his experience but a universal element of military life, indicating an intrinsic part of military culture is the expectation and normalization of unquestioning obedience to superiors.
The expression "followed the orders of the higher-ups" highlights the rigid hierarchy and pecking order that specifies military companies. The military demands a high level of discipline and obedience to ensure cohesion and effectiveness in potentially chaotic and dangerous scenarios. Nevertheless, Butler's reflection might suggest a review, questioning whether such extensive control stifles individual obligation and ethical company.
By saying, "This is common with everyone in the military," Butler implies that this experience is not special to him however rather a shared phenomenon amongst military workers. This generalization opens a conversation on the implications such a culture has for individual autonomy, perhaps resulting in ethical problems when orders dispute with individual worths. As somebody who increased to the rank of Major General and received various distinctions, Butler's insights carry weight and welcome readers to contemplate the balance between needed discipline in the military and the upkeep of private ethical stability.
Overall, Butler's quote functions as an effective commentary on the mental and moral complexities associated with military service, raising essential concerns about the crossway of individual agency and institutional authority.
This quote is written / told by Smedley Butler between June 30, 1881 and June 21, 1940. He/she was a famous Soldier from USA.
The author also have 3 other quotes.
"Developments in information technology and globalised media mean that the most powerful military in the history of the world can lose a war, not on the battlefield of dust and blood, but on the battlefield of world opinion"
"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded"
"After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military"
"I know that military alliances and armament have been the reliance for peace for centuries, but they do not produce peace; and when war comes, as it inevitably does under such conditions, these armaments and alliances but intensify and broaden the conflict"
"In view of China's growing military strength and intentions, the best way to safeguard Asia's permanent peace and prosperity is to have all Asian countries join forces with other democratic countries in the world to form a global community of democracies"
"On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind"
"We shall listen, not lecture; learn, not threaten. We will enhance our safety by earning the respect of others and showing respect for them. In short, our foreign policy will rest on the traditional American values of restraint and empathy, not on military might"
