Arms Quote by Edward Gibbon
“It has been calculated by the ablest politicians that no State, without being soon exhausted, can maintain above the hundredth part of its members in arms and idleness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
A state cannot sustain a large standing army without draining its resources and causing widespread idleness among its citizens.
In simple terms: Large armies exhaust a state's resources.
Key Takeaway
Limit military size to preserve economic health.
Themes
economics
military
statecraft
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- defense strategy
- public welfare
- tax policy
Key Concepts
resource allocation
public policy
civilian morale
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a state balance security and economic stability?
- What alternatives exist to large standing armies?
A Different Perspective
A strong defense may be essential despite costs.
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