"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.
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"
"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"
"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"
"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"