Skip to content

Anti war Quote by Leo Tolstoy

“[D]iscipline consists in this, that the men who undergo the instruction and have followed it for a certain time are completely deprived of everything which is precious to a man-of the chief human property, rational freedom-and become submissive, machine-like implements of murder in the hands of…” quote by Leo Tolstoy
Download Open image
“[D]iscipline consists in this, that the men who undergo the instruction and have followed it for a certain time are completely deprived of everything which is precious to a man-of the chief human property, rational freedom-and become submissive, machine-like implements of murder in the hands of their organized hierarchic authorities.”

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

Source Book: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, 1869

Discipline can strip individuals of rational freedom, turning them into obedient tools for violent authority.

In simple terms: Discipline can rob people of free thought, making them obedient killers.

Key Takeaway

Guard personal autonomy against blind obedience.

Themes

authority obedience violence humanity

Mood

serious reflective critical

Type

philosophical political ethical

When to use this quote

  • military training
  • corporate culture
  • political indoctrination
  • law enforcement
  • propaganda

Key Concepts

totalitarianism psychology free will

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does discipline affect moral responsibility?
  • When does obedience become complicity?
A Different Perspective

Even disciplined societies may retain critical thinking and moral agency.

4.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Leo Tolstoy

Explore all 1,754 Leo Tolstoy quotes

More Anti war quotes

Browse all 486 Anti war quotes