Attributed in Thomas Carlyle, “History of Friedrich the Second, Called Frederick the Great", (1858).
“
They were stronger than Turk and Saracen, but not than Hunger and Disease. Leaders did not know then, as our little Friend at Berlin came to know, that “an Army, like a serpent, goes upon its belly."
— Frederick II of Prussia
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "They were stronger than Turk and Saracen, but not than Hunger and Disease. Leaders did not know then, as our little Friend at Berlin came to know, that “an Army, like a serpent, goes upon its belly."" in the context of "Attributed in Thomas Carlyle, “History of Friedrich the Second, Called Frederick the Great", (1858)." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Frederick II of Prussia" (Attributed)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Frederick II of Prussia
Frederick II of Prussia (January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. He was also known as Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great)
About Frederick II of Prussia
Frederick II of Prussia (January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. He was also known as Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great)
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