Army Quote by Voltaire
“Where some states possess an army, the Prussian Army possesses a state.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Philosophical Dictionary, 1764
A strong state can dominate an army, but a powerful army can dominate a state.
In simple terms: Power dynamics between state and military.
Key Takeaway
Balance civil authority and military strength.
Themes
politics
military
power
statecraft
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- defense strategy
- historical study
Key Concepts
sovereignty
civil‑military relations
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies limit military power?
- What safeguards protect state authority?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on military may erode civil liberties.
![“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)
