"In a country which wishes to remain free, every citizen must be a soldier, and hold himself always ready to arm himself for the defence of his rights. Disciplined troops act more in the interest of despotism than of freedom. Rome ceased to be free on the day on which she had paid soldiers, and the invincible phalanxes of Sparta were formed from a levy en masse. Lastly, as soon as there is a standing army, an esprit de corps is formed; people speak of the valour of this or that regiment, of this or that company. These are more serious evils than is commonly supposed; and it is good to avoid them as much as possible. We ought to speak of the firm resolve manifested by this or that commune, of the self-sacrifice of the members of this or that family, of the valour of the citizens of so-and-so; in this manner is the emulation of a free nation roused. When our manners shall be as refined as they ought to be, our whole nation will be disciplined, and our militia invincible."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Pasquale Paoli
Filippo Antonio Pasquale de' Paoli (6 April 1725 – 5 February 1807) was a Corsican patriot, statesman and military leader who was at the forefront of resistance movements against the Genoese and later French rule over the island. He became the president of the Executive Council of the General Diet of the People of Corsica and wrote the Constitution of the state.
20 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Pasquale Paoli →
Related Quotes
"Make an effort to overcome the fears of old age. Tell me, would you wish to see me at your death-bed knowing in your …"
"I am determined that the "other side of the mountains" must form part of the Corsican State, all Corsica must be free."
"The island will only know efficient government if the vendetta can be stamped out."
"The vendetta is finished. The old, happy, carefree festivals of the villages which have been abandoned for so long ca…"
"Though the Altar should nourish its ministers, the tithes of those who fail to serve that Altar are the property of t…"
"My countrymen, Liberty does not go to confession: we leave distinctions of that kind to the Inquisitors of the Holy O…"
"Your fellow citizens in electing you to represent them at this Consulta have placed their dearest interests in your h…"
"Already our nation has shown how little claim the Genoese had to our island. All the powers of Europe, especially Fra…"
"Let each take up his appointed position. We will show them that we are not to be treated like a flock of old sheep bo…"
"The countryside of France is cultivated but the masses there have no return from their labours. There are more cookin…"