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About this quote

What does it mean?
Heinlein argues that states relying on conscription lose the support of their citizens, leading to eventual decline.
In plain terms
States that force people to fight often lose their freedom and fall.
What can you take from it?
Voluntary service builds stronger nations than forced conscription.

Where it applies

  • discussing military policy
  • analyzing historical falls
  • comparing army types

Putting it to work

  • evaluate recruitment methods
  • study Roman history
  • assess state legitimacy

Questions to consider

  • How does conscription affect civilian loyalty?
  • What replaces the Roman custom today?

Another view

Some states survive long periods with conscription due to external threats.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

  1. 'No man is an island - ' Much as we may feel and act as Individuals, our race is - a single organism, always growing and branching - which must be pruned regul…

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  2. Nursing does not diminish the beauty of a woman's breasts; it enhances their charm by making them look lived in and happy.

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  3. Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.

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