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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kipling contrasts safe talk of drink with the reality of battle, showing soldiers must submit to authority when facing death.
In plain terms
Soldiers may drink safely at home but must obey orders when fighting.
What can you take from it?
Comradery and discipline are required in times of war.

Where it applies

  • military service
  • crisis situations

Putting it to work

  • understand shared burden in teams

Questions to consider

  • What binds people together in crisis?
  • Is obedience always justified in danger?

Another view

It glorifies military obedience which can lead to harmful orders.

More from Rudyard Kipling

  1. For you all love the screw-guns the screw-guns they all love you! So when we take tea with a few guns, o' course you will know what to do - hoo! hoo! Jest send…

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. So I'll meet 'im later on At the place where 'e is gone - Where it's always double drill and no canteen. 'E'll be squattin' on the coals Givin' drink to poor d…

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. So 'ere's to you, Fuzzy-Wuzzy, at your 'ome in the Soudan; You're a pore benighted 'eathen but a first-class fightin' man.

    Permalink to quote #25

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