Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Standing armies can never consist of resolute robust men; they may be well-disciplined machines, but they will seldom contain men under the influence of strong passions, or with very vigorous faculties.
Summary
This quote suggests that standing armies, although disciplined, tend to lack individuals with strong passions and exceptional abilities. The implication is that such armies are like well-oiled machines, efficient and predictable, but they may not possess the same depth of character, determination, or exceptional talent that individuals driven by strong emotions or outstanding capabilities could bring. Overall, the quote highlights a potential limitation of standing armies in terms of the diversity and intensity of its personnel.