Quotes About Discipline

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

I shall strive to inculculate in my men the spirit of the chase.

I should deem a man-of-war incomplete without a body of Marines...imbued with that esprit that has so long characterized the "Old Corps."

...a private who loses a rifle suffers far greater consequences than a general who loses a war.

I don't want to hear of any of you men getting into any fights with the British. But if you do, you'd better not get whipped.

Knowing how to fight made men more bold, because no one fears doing what it seems to him he has learned to do. Therefore, the ancients wanted their citizens to be trained in every warlike action.

He who wishes to be a surgeon should go to war.

Few men are brave by nature, but good discipline and experience make many so.

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

Insubordination may only be the evidence of a strong mind.

If soldiers were to begin to think, not one of them would remain in the army.

Few would venture to deny the advantages of temperance in increasing the efficiency of a nation at war.

If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.

It is said that the inferior seek to emulate the superior. Thus, if a general slackens only a little, those beneath him will be greatly negligent.

If a man does not investigate into the matter of bushido daily, it will be difficult for him to die a brave and manly death.

Independent thinking is not encouraged in a professional Army. It is a form of mutiny. Obedience is the supreme virtue.

The art of giving orders is not to try to rectify the minor blunders and not be swayed by petty doubts.

Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!

As for the decorum at the time of a campaign, one must be mindful that he is a samurai. A person who loves beautification where it is unnecessary is fit for punishment.

I am asking of no man more than I myself was ready throughout four years to do

All generals, officers, and soldiers who capitulate in battle to save their own lives should be decimated.

Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain