Armies Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“We did not raise armies for glory or for conquest.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1790
Armies are raised for defense, not for glory or conquest.
In simple terms: Armies serve protection, not pride.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize defensive purpose.
Themes
war
ethics
politics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- national security
- policy debates
- public discourse
- military training
Key Concepts
historical context
military doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a purely defensive stance feasible today?
- What ethical limits exist for military action?
A Different Perspective
May ignore strategic offensive needs.
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![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
