Meaning: The quote "National armies fight nations, royal armies fight their like, the first obey a mob, always demented and the second a king, generally sane" by J. Fuller Soldier presents an interesting perspective on the nature of national and royal armies and the dynamics of their obedience and leadership. This quote delves into the differences between national and royal armies, highlighting their respective allegiances and the impact of their leadership on their behavior and actions.

The first part of the quote, "National armies fight nations, royal armies fight their like," suggests that national armies are pitted against other nations, implying a broader sense of conflict between countries. On the other hand, royal armies are depicted as engaging in conflict with their counterparts, potentially indicating more localized or internal conflicts within a particular societal or political structure.

The second part of the quote, "the first obey a mob, always demented and the second a king, generally sane," delves into the concept of obedience and the influence of leadership. It characterizes national armies as obeying a "mob," an entity associated with chaos and lack of rationality, implying that their obedience is to a collective force that may lack coherent direction. In contrast, royal armies are described as obeying a king, who is generally perceived as being sane and possessing the capacity for rational decision-making.

The juxtaposition of the obedience dynamics within national and royal armies underscores a dichotomy between chaotic, collective obedience and more structured, individual leadership. This contrast raises questions about the impact of leadership on the behavior and actions of armies, as well as the implications of their allegiances and the nature of their conflicts.

In analyzing this quote, it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. J. Fuller Soldier was a British military officer and military historian, and his perspective reflected the experiences and observations of the military dynamics of his time. The quote may be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of warfare, the role of leadership, and the dynamics of allegiance within military structures.

From a broader perspective, the quote can also be seen as a reflection of societal and political dynamics. It touches on themes of authority, obedience, and the impact of leadership on collective behavior. The juxtaposition of national and royal armies invites contemplation on the broader implications of different forms of military organization and their relationships to societal structures and power dynamics.

Overall, the quote by J. Fuller Soldier offers a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of national and royal armies, their allegiances, and the influence of leadership on their behavior. It prompts consideration of the broader societal and political implications of military dynamics and the complexities of obedience and leadership within military structures.