Army Quote by Groucho Marx
“Firefly: Now that you're Secretary of War, what kind of an army do you think we oughta have? Chicolini: Well, I tell you what I think. I think we should have a standing army. Firefly: Why should we have a standing army? Chicolini: Because then we save money on chairs.”
About This Quote
Source TV Show: Firefly, Episode "Ariel", 2002
A character argues for a standing army to save money on chairs, highlighting absurd justification for military buildup.
In simple terms: Standing army justified absurdly.
Key Takeaway
Question the logic behind military spending.
Themes
military
economics
absurdity
Mood
satirical
critical
Type
political
humorous
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- defense planning
- public debate
Key Concepts
budgeting
policy
logic
Questions to Reflect On
- What real‑world arguments mirror this absurdity?
- How can citizens hold leaders accountable?
A Different Perspective
Justifications may be nonsensical.
![“This [a state militia system] appears to me the only substitute that can be devised for a standing army, and the best possible security against it, if it should exist.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86a/alexander-hamilton-619_2-amendment_this-a-state-militia-system-appears-to-m_756387.jpg)
![“He [Groucho's father] had absolutely no training, and if you had ever seen one of his suits, you'd realize what an accurate statement that is. You see, Pop never used a tape measure. He didn't believe in it. He said he could just look at a man and tell hi.” quote by Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02f/groucho-marx-788_accurate_he-groucho-s-father-had-absolutely-no-tr_22161.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
