If nationalism makes us poor, weak, and morally insecure, how can it claim to be patriotic? I maintain that nationalists are unpatriotic.
Frans TimmermansRead
I'm just one generation between someone who cheered when Germans were burning and someone who doesn't even know that there is a border. That's a miracle - really is a miracle - and it gets me really emotional.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the dramatic changes in societal perspectives across generations, highlighting the progress made since a time of intolerance.
Frans Timmermans' quote underscores the profound shifts that can occur within a single generation, illustrating how attitudes towards nationality, conflict, and humanity can evolve. The speaker expresses a sense of awe and gratitude for living in a time where boundaries and biases are less prominent, contrasting it with a past marked by hatred and division. This realization not only evokes strong emotions but signifies the importance of recognizing and celebrating progress in societal values.
Themes
Generational ChangeProgressToleranceBordersEmotional
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about unity and understanding, you could use this quote to highlight the progress society has made.
More from Frans Timmermans
All quotes βSimilar quotes
If you want to change the future, you must change what you're doing in the present.
Mark TwainRead
I can't predict how reading habits will change. But I will say that the greatest loss is the paper archive - no more a great stack of manuscripts, letters, and notebooks from a writer's life, but only a tiny pile of disks, little plastic cookies where once were calligraphic marvels.
Paul TherouxRead
One can't erase the tremendous burden of apartheid in 10 years, 20 years, I believe, even 30 years.
Susan RiceRead
We still have many neighborhoods that are racially identified. We still have many schools that even though the days of state-enforced segregation are gone, segregation because of geographical boundaries remains.
Ruth Bader GinsburgRead
My own life in India, since I came to it in 1893 to make it my home, has been devoted to one purpose, to give back to India her ancient freedom.
Annie BesantRead
Through discipline, and determination one can change anything and everything about him - his habits, his outlook on life
Arnold SchwarzeneggerRead