QuoteProject
Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy.
Margaret Thatcher
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote contrasts the creation of Europe as a result of historical events and America as a product of philosophical ideals.

Margaret Thatcher's quote emphasizes the distinction between the development of Europe, which has been shaped by its rich and complex history, and America, which was founded on Enlightenment ideals and philosophical concepts of freedom and democracy. This highlights the influence of cultural and intellectual heritage in shaping societies and suggests that the foundational principles can have a profound impact on the character and identity of a nation.

Themes

EuropeAmericaHistoryPhilosophyNational Identity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about national values, one might reference this quote to illustrate differing roots of European and American cultures.

More from Margaret Thatcher

When will Labour learn that you cannot build Jerusalem in Brussels.
Margaret ThatcherRead
Never in the history of human credit has so much been owed.
Margaret ThatcherRead
The battle for women's rights has been largely won.
Margaret ThatcherRead
Ought we not to ask the media to agree among themselves a voluntary code of conduct, under which they would not say or show anything which could assist the terrorists' morale or their cause while the hijack lasted.
Margaret ThatcherRead
Israel must never be expected to jeopardize her security: if she was ever foolish enough to do so, and then suffered for it, the backlash against both honest brokers and Palestinians would be immense - 'land for peace' must also bring peace.
Margaret ThatcherRead
If it's me against 48, I feel sorry for the 48.
Margaret ThatcherRead

Similar quotes

As a historian, I'm sceptical about conspiracy theories because the world is far too complicated to be managed by a few billionaires drinking scotch behind some closed doors. But I do think that the voters are correct in sensing that they're really losing power. And in reaction, they give the system an angry kick.
Yuval Noah HarariRead
If you see your path laid out in front of you - Step one, Step two, Step three - you only know one thing . . . it is not your path. Your path is created in the moment of action. If you can see it laid out in front of you, you can be sure it is someone else's path. That is why you see it so clearly.
Joseph CampbellRead
We are the makers of our own lives. There is no such thing as fate. Our lives are the result of our previous actions, our karma, and it naturally flows that, having been ourselves the makers of our karma, we must also be able to unmake it.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Enlarge my life with multitude of days, In health, in sickness, thus the suppliant prays; Hides from himself his state, and shuns to know, That life protracted is protracted woe. Time hovers o'er, impatient to destroy, And shuts up all the passages of joy.
Samuel JohnsonRead
It is psychologically very hard to go through life without the justification, and the hope, provided by religion.
Umberto EcoRead
'Beauty is truth, truth beauty,' - that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
John KeatsRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.