Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
So it is the human condition that to wish for the greatness of one's fatherland is to wish evil to one's neighbors. The citizen of the universe would be the man who wishes his country never to be either greater or smaller, richer or poorer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the conflict between patriotism and global humanity, suggesting that one's desire for their own country’s superiority often harms others.
Voltaire's quote delves into the paradox of national pride, asserting that the wish for one's homeland to be exceptional inherently leads to a desire for the detriment of neighboring nations. It suggests that a truer virtue lies in promoting a shared global existence rather than competitive nationalism, advocating for a perspective that respects and values all nations equally.
Themes
PatriotismHumanityNationalismPhilosophyCitizenship
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about global unity, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of looking beyond borders.
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We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
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It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
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