The outcome of any serious research can only be to make two questions grow where only one grew before.
Thorstein VeblenRead
Born in iniquity and conceived in sin, the spirit of nationalism has never ceased to bend human institutions to the service of dissension and distress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nationalism often arises from flawed foundations and perpetuates conflict and suffering within societies.
In this quote, Thorstein Veblen emphasizes that nationalism, which is birthed from moral and ethical shortcomings, consistently manipulates societal structures to promote separation and turmoil instead of unity and peace. The implication is that nationalism embodies a destructive force within human civilization, leading to strife rather than harmony.
Themes
NationalismConflictSocietyDistressHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate to highlight the dangers of extreme nationalism.
More from Thorstein Veblen
All quotes βConspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.
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In order to stand well in the eyes of the community, it is necessary to come up to a certain, somewhat indefinite, conventional standard of wealth.
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With the exception of the instinct of self-preservation, the propensity for emulation is probably the strongest and most alert and persistent of the economic motives proper.
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The basis on which good repute in any highly organized industrial community ultimately rests is pecuniary strength; and the means of showing pecuniary strength, and so of gaining or retaining a good name, are leisure and a conspicuous consumption of goods.
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In itself and in its consequences the life of leisure is beautiful and ennobling in all civilised men's eyes.
Thorstein VeblenRead
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