'Like all the members of the military profession, I never had a thought of my own until I left the service. My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military service.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Military hierarchy suppresses independent thought; soldiers obey orders without critical reflection until they leave service.
- In plain terms
- The military suppresses independent thinking.
- What can you take from it?
- Question authority rather than obey blindly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do institutions shape individual thought?
- When does obedience become complicity?
Another view
Not all service members lose independent thought during service.
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