The chains of military despotism once fastened upon a nation, ages might pass away before they could be shaken off.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Once a nation falls under military dictatorship, it can take centuries to regain freedom.
- In plain terms
- Military rule is very hard to end once it starts.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid allowing military control over civil government.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What mechanisms prevent military takeover?
- How do societies heal after prolonged authoritarian rule?
Another view
Some nations recover from dictatorship faster than this suggests.
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