The quote highlights how the Roman legions were initially composed of citizen soldiers who had been thoroughly disciplined, emphasizing that their strength came from adhering strictly to this discipline. This suggests that these soldiers understood and valued the importance of following orders and maintaining unity within their ranks.
Beyond its surface meaning, the quote also underscores a broader principle about the relationship between individual freedom and collective success. It implies that while individuals might naturally desire autonomy and personal freedom, they can achieve greater strength and effectiveness when they submit to a shared discipline or set of rules. This idea is particularly relevant in contexts where groups need to coordinate their efforts for a common goal, such as military units, sports teams, or even businesses. The quote suggests that the willingness to sacrifice some individuality for the sake of collective good can lead to remarkable achievements.
Goldwin Smith was a renowned historian and essayist who lived from 1823 to 1910. His work often focused on historical analysis and commentary, especially concerning British-American relations and issues related to Canada’s development as an independent nation. The quote mentioned here reflects his insightful observations about the nature of authority and discipline within societies and their impact on collective strength and success.
