Arms Quote by Henry Wriston
“Only as a grand gesture of defeat will men creep into the arms of the state and seek refuge in its power rather than their own courage.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, possibly lecture or essay
When people feel defeated, they turn to government for safety instead of relying on personal bravery.
In simple terms: Defeat drives people to seek state protection over personal courage.
Cultivate self‑reliance before seeking external power.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- political upheaval
- social movements
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal strengths can you develop to avoid over‑reliance on authority?
- When is seeking help from the state appropriate?
May overlook the benefits of collective support in crises.