Famous quote by Smedley Butler

Mobile Desktop
My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of the higher-ups. This is typical with ev
Like

"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 is a reflection on his experience in the military. He is suggesting that when he remained in the military, he was anticipated to follow orders without concern, and his own thoughts and viewpoints were not considered. This is a common experience for lots of in the military, as they are expected to follow orders without doubt. Butler's quote implies that while he remained in the military, his own psychological faculties were postponed, and he was simply following orders from those in higher positions. This quote is a reminder of the importance of following orders in the military, and how it can be tough to believe for oneself when in such a hierarchical system.

About the Author

USA Flag 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.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social upl
Martin Luther King Jr.
"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom"
Martin Luther King Jr., Minister
Small: Airplanes are interesting toys, but of no military value - Ferdinand Foch
"Airplanes are interesting toys, but of no military value"
Ferdinand Foch, Soldier
Small: After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didnt do it. I sure as hell
"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"
William S. Burroughs, Writer
Small: We shall listen, not lecture learn, not threaten. We will enhance our safety by earning the respect of others
"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"
Theodore C. Sorensen, Lawyer
Small: The later it gets the more disturbed the city becomes. I go with Albert through the streets. Men are standing
"The later it gets the more disturbed the city becomes. I go with Albert through the streets. Men are standing in groups at every corner. Rumours are flying. It is said that the military have already fired on a procession of demonstrating workers"
Erich Maria Remarque, Writer
Small: Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups - Kamisese Mara
"Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups"
Kamisese Mara, Statesman
Small: As costly as it was in the lives of our men and women in uniform, in military assets, and in esteem and pride,
"As costly as it was in the lives of our men and women in uniform, in military assets, and in esteem and pride, Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for America"
Joe Baca, Politician
Small: War is much too serious a thing to be left to military men - Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
"War is much too serious a thing to be left to military men"
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, Diplomat
Small: I support allowing homosexuals to serve openly in our military and eliminating the dont ask, dont tell policy
"I support allowing homosexuals to serve openly in our military and eliminating the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy"
Ed Case, Politician
Small: Of course, there is no question that Libya - and the world - will be better off with Gaddafi out of power.
Barack Obama
"Of course, there is no question that Libya - and the world - will be better off with Gaddafi out of power. I, along with many other world leaders, have embraced that goal, and will actively pursue it through non-military means. But broadening our military mission to include regime change would be a mistake"
Barack Obama, President