Amendment Quote by Adam Smith
“In a militia, the character of the laborer, artificer, or tradesman, predominates over that of the soldier: in a standing army, that of the soldier predominates over every other character.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
In societies organized as militias, skilled laborers dominate, while standing armies prioritize soldiers over other roles.
In simple terms: Militias value tradespeople; armies value soldiers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the strengths of each system.
Themes
society
military
labor
skill
hierarchy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- community defense
- national defense
- civilian-military relations
Key Concepts
civic virtue
specialization
collective security
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the composition of a force affect its effectiveness?
- What balance best serves a modern state?
A Different Perspective
Militias may lack professional training; armies can suppress individual freedoms.
