Francois Rabelais: Coin is Sinews of War
on Tuesday, January 17, 2017Francois Rabelais Money Quote saying if a country begins a war without full coffers to pay for it in full will blow up without money. Francois Rabelais said:
“War begun without good provision of money beforehand for going through with it is but as a breathing of strength and blast that will quickly pass away. Coin is the sinews of war” — Francois Rabelais
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In this quote, Francois Rabelais is emphasizing the critical importance of financial resources and preparation for any war effort to have success. His interpretation is that entering into armed conflict without first ensuring “good provision of money” and the means to fund the war through to its completion is like only a temporary or superficial show of force that will quickly dissipate.
Rabelais’ view seems to be that money or “coin” acts as the very muscle, tendons and ligaments that give a military campaign strength, endurance and potency. His position is that financial readiness and backing are absolutely essential “sinews” or underlying factors determining whether a war can be sustained or will peter out inconclusively.
Birthday: between 1483 and 1494; Death: 1553