“The sinews of war are infinite money.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The sinews of war are infinite money.”
Explanation
Cicero asserts that financial resources are the essential foundation of warfare, likening money to sinews—the connective tissue that enables movement and strength. Just as muscles cannot function without sinews, armies cannot function without funding. The term “infinite money” underscores that war is not sustained by bravery or strategy alone, but by continuous and often immense economic support.
This perspective comes from Cicero’s experience as both a statesman and observer of Rome’s military campaigns, where he saw firsthand that logistics, supplies, and mercenary wages were as crucial as tactics. In Roman politics, the ability to wage war was tightly linked to taxation, wealth, and control of resources. Cicero’s statement reveals a pragmatic view: victory often belongs not to the most virtuous, but to the best-funded.
In modern times, this quote remains strikingly relevant. From defense budgets to arms manufacturing and economic sanctions, money still dictates the scope, duration, and outcome of conflict. Cicero’s words remind us that behind every war lies an economic engine, and that power in war often flows from the purse more than the sword. It is a timeless insight into the material realities that underpin military force.
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