Skip to content

It is not the desire of new acquisitions, but the glory of…

“It is not the desire of new acquisitions, but the glory of conquests, that fires the soldier's breast; as indeed the town is seldom worth much, when it has suffered the devastations of a siege.” quote by Samuel Johnson
Download Open image
“It is not the desire of new acquisitions, but the glory of conquests, that fires the soldier's breast; as indeed the town is seldom worth much, when it has suffered the devastations of a siege.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

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

Conquests inspire soldiers more than acquiring new possessions; towns lose value after sieges.

In simple terms: Victory drives soldiers, not wealth.

Key Takeaway

Seek purpose beyond material gain.

Themes

war valor impermanence

Mood

reflective serious

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military recruitment
  • urban reconstruction

Key Concepts

military ethos historical cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives true motivation?
  • How to rebuild after conflict?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize war, ignoring suffering.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Johnson

Explore all 1,998 Samuel Johnson quotes

More Acquisition quotes

Browse all 395 Acquisition quotes