Poetry Officers

Why, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, was the main skill of an officer in all the world's armies—Russia, France, Germany, England—the ability to compose poetry? Why were officers taught versification? All orders were conveyed in poetic form. The conciseness in verses is evident. But, in my opinion, the main reason was that in the 18th century, the idea of socialism had engulfed the whole of Europe. In England, the works of Adam Smith emerged, where the cultivation of moral sentiments became the main question for the harmonious development of societal life. For this, a just distribution of material goods was necessary. Locke revealed the cause of revolution: when some have everything and others have nothing. In France, French Enlightenment socialist thinkers like Rousseau, Diderot, and Voltaire emerged, emphasizing compassion.
Officers were mainly representatives of the nobility; they received a classical education, including Latin, and attached great importance to the ideals of Greek culture. Aristotle's teachings in "Nicomachean Ethics" were revealed, logically asserting that any aggression is evil. However, everyone was already aware that competition is inherent to humans; everyone wants to be first. Hence, the Olympic Games were created, where fair competition openly showed who was the fastest and strongest. Poets were also included in the Olympic program because poetry was considered divine in sacred places.
Officers were not wanted to be turned into mere robots blindly following orders. Especially since Adam Smith pointed out that governments often act very bluntly, and people incapable of thinking should not be expected to make noble decisions. Therefore, to prevent the army from becoming a mere instrument and officers becoming butchers or cannon fodder, officers were given a broad humanitarian education. This aimed to make them behave nobly and valiantly, and with discipline, they would possess a wide range of feelings and thoughts. This would protect against the use of the army for ignoble purposes, in case a power-drunk king or a bunch of scoundrels gained power through corruption.
So, teaching officers poetry was an immunity against unnecessary cruelty. Poetry gives birth to a sense of love, and if there is indignation, it is again for the sake of love. And love is God. Therefore, officers were taught to fulfill their highest purpose: to serve God and be on the side where God is, meaning truth and justice. But if there is justice, then, as it later turned out, there is no need for an army. However, at the beginning of the 19th century, armies played a significant role in liberation national movements and revolutionary transformations. Good humanitarian education for officers played a decisive role in this.