A tale of two armies — and what loyalty actually means.
IMPERIAL LEGIONS
Giga-Chad emperor with laurel wreath: “I AM DOUBLING YOUR PAY.”
Crying Wojak legionary: “NOOOOOOT ENOUGH.”
Silver coins? A pay raise? Imperial soldiers are never satisfied. The professional army of the Imperial era was loyal to money, not to Rome.
CAESAR’S LEGIONS
Julius Caesar (marble bust): “I want to fight a civil war, but I can’t afford to pay you and I already owe you money.”
Loyal legionary in gold helmet, offering his savings: “That’s ok, take our life savings.”
Open sack overflowing with gold coins. Total devotion. Personal loyalty that money cannot buy.
The contrast says everything about the difference between a professional army and an army that would follow its general into civil war — and fund it themselves.
Caesar’s legions didn’t fight for pay. They fought for him.
Meme via internet.
0 Comments