Nations sometimes flourish by denying the crimes that brought them into being. Only when the original invasion, occupation, extermination or usurpation has been safely thrust into the political unconscious can sovereignty feel secure.
Interpretation
This quote discusses how nations can prosper by ignoring their own dark histories of violence and oppression, achieving a false sense of security in their sovereignty.
Terry Eagleton's quote reflects on the troubling tendency of nations to prosper while conveniently forgetting the injustices and crimes that led to their formation. By relegating these historical transgressions to the 'political unconscious,' nations can maintain a facade of strength and unity, but this obscured truth creates a precarious security for their sovereignty, highlighting the complex relationship between power and memory in political life.
In practice
In a political debate about national identity, one might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of acknowledging historical injustices.
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All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
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If we do not believe within ourselves this deeply rooted feeling that there is something higher than ourselves, we shall never find the strength to evolve into something higher.
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