Every subject's duty is the King's; but every subject's…
“Every subject's duty is the King's; but every subject's soul is his own. Therefore, should every soldier in the wars do as every sick man in his bed, wash every mote out of his conscience; and dying so, death is to him advantage; or not dying, the time was blessedly lost wherein such preparation was gained; and in him that escapes, it were no sin to think that, making God so free an offer, He let him outlive the day to see His greatness and to teach others how they should prepare.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A soldier's duty to the king is separate from personal conscience; preparation and moral reflection turn death into advantage or loss.
In simple terms: Duty and conscience differ; preparation matters.
Key Takeaway
Balance duty with personal integrity.
Themes
duty
conscience
preparation
war
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military training
- ethical debates
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
existentialism
military strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile public duty with private morals?
- When is it right to refuse a command?
A Different Perspective
Blind obedience can ignore moral cost.