“Everybody talks about freedom, citizens," the big man said gently, seeming to draw upon that very sure source of personal knowledge again, "but they dont really want it. Half of them wants it but the other half dont. What they really want is to maintain an illusion of freedom in front of their wives and business associates. Its a satisfactory compromise, and as long they can have that they can get along without the other which is more expensive. The only trouble is, every man who declares himself free to his friends has to make a slave out of his wife and employees to keep up the illusion and prove it; the wife to be free in front of her bridgeclub has to command her Help, Husband and Heirs. It resolves itself into a battle; whoever wins, the other one loses. For every general in this world there have to be 6,000 privates.”
Quote by James Jones
Work
From Here to Eternity
Browse quotes and source details for this work. more
Author
James Jones
James Jones was an American author known for his profound portrayal of war and human emotions. His works, such as 'From Here to Eternity' and 'Some Came Running', deeply reflect the impact of war on individuals and society. more
You May Also Like
Source: Collected Stories, Vol. 2
Source: Les Misérables
Source: Eumeswil
“Qui mori didicit servire dedidicit.”
Source: Lettere a Lucilio
Source: Ruang
Source: Raising My Voice
“Pues nada ha sido nunca para un hombre o una sociedad humana más insoportable que la libertad.”
“Vergnügen ist ein Lied der Freiheit, - Aber es ist keine Freiheit.”