A man is never so truly and intensely himself as when he is most possessed by God. It is impossible to say where, in the spiritual life, the human will leaves off and divine grace begins.
William Ralph IngeRead
A nation is a society united by a delusion about its ancestry and by common hatred of its neighbours.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nations often define themselves through myths about their past and shared animosity towards others.
This quote by William Ralph Inge suggests that the concept of a nation is often constructed through a collective belief in a shared history that may not be entirely factual, accompanied by a common disdain for neighboring nations. It implies that national identity can be built on illusions and conflicts, indicating that unity may stem not only from pride in heritage, but also from the negative comparisons with others.
Themes
NationSocietyAncestryHatredDelusion
In practice
Example use cases
In a history class discussing the impact of nationalism on global events.
More from William Ralph Inge
All quotes βDon't get up from the feast of life without paying for your share of it.
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Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due.
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Deliberate cruelty to our defenceless and beautiful little cousins is surely one of the meanest and most detestable vices of which a human being can be guilty.
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The enemies of freedom do not argue; they shout and they shoot.
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Bereavement is the deepest initiation into the mysteries of human life, an initiation more searching and profound than even happy love.
William Ralph IngeRead
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