Tis not, 'my country right or wrong'; tis, 'my country, that which is right to be kept right, that which is wrong to be set right'
Carl SchurzRead
My country right or wrong; when right, to keep her right; when wrong, to put her right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the duty to support one's country both when it is right and wrong.
Carl Schurz's quote reflects a deep commitment to patriotism that acknowledges both the love and the critical responsibility a citizen has towards their nation. It articulates that true loyalty involves not just blind support but actively striving to maintain a country’s integrity when it is correct and working to correct its wrongdoings when necessary.
Themes
PatriotismCountryRightWrongResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a national debate, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of holding our leaders accountable.
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All quotes →Ideals are like the stars: we never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them.
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