We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope!
Sam HoustonRead
The soldier who gropes for glory must submit himself to discipline. Subordination gives strength and security to an army. He that will not submit to it when corrected and improved by the experience of ages does not deserve the proud appellation of a soldier.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Discipline is essential for achieving glory and strength in a collective group like an army.
This quote emphasizes that a soldier's pursuit of glory is inextricably linked to their willingness to embrace discipline and subordination. It suggests that true strength and security come from the collective adherence to discipline, and those who resist such structure do not warrant the title of a soldier, despite their aspirations for glory.
Themes
DisciplineSoldierGloryStrengthSubordination
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to a military academy, to highlight the importance of discipline among soldiers.
More from Sam Houston
All quotes →I have ever been opposed to banks, - opposed to internal improvements by the general government, - opposed to distribution of public lands among the states, - opposed to taking the power from the hands of the people, - opposed to special monopolies, - opposed to a protective tariff, - opposed to a latitudinal construction of the constitution, - opposed to slavery agitation and disunion. This is my democracy. Point to a single act of my public career not in keeping with these principles.
Sam HoustonRead
I declare that civil war is inevitable and is near at hand. When it comes the descendants of the heroes of Lexington and Bunker Hill will be found equal in patriotism, courage and heroic endurance with the descendants of the heroes of Cowpens and Yorktown. For this reason I predict the civil war which is now at hand will be stubborn and of long duration.
Sam HoustonRead
A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under.
Sam HoustonRead
There would be no difficulty in securing the rights of the people and the liberties of Texas if men would march to their duty and not fly like recreants from danger. Texas must be defended and liberty maintained.
Sam HoustonRead
Texas will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.
Sam HoustonRead
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