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It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of…

“It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects, and the amount of money that goes out of the country as a consequence. Everybody is using coffee; this must be prevented. His Majesty was brought up on beer, and so were both his ancestors and officers. Many…” quote by Frederick The Great
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“It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects, and the amount of money that goes out of the country as a consequence. Everybody is using coffee; this must be prevented. His Majesty was brought up on beer, and so were both his ancestors and officers. Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer, and the King does not believe that coffee-drinking soldiers can be relied upon to endure hardships in case of another war.”

Frederick The Great

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The king worries that rising coffee consumption weakens loyalty and drains finances, preferring traditional beer which he believes sustains soldiers.

In simple terms: King fears coffee harms morale and economy, prefers beer.

Key Takeaway

Limit coffee use, promote beer.

Themes

loyalty economy tradition military culture

Mood

concerned authoritative

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • court policy
  • military provisioning
  • public health campaigns

Key Concepts

nationalism resource management social habit

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should tradition outweigh potential benefits of new habits?
  • How can economies balance cultural preferences with fiscal health?
A Different Perspective

Coffee may boost alertness and trade; blanket bans can hurt morale.

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