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Yet some can be patriotic who have no self-respect, and sacrifice the greater to the less. They love the soil which makes their graves, but have no sympathy with the spirit which may still animate their clay. Patriotism is a maggot in their heads.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Patriotism can exist without self-respect, leading to misguided love for one's country that's rooted in superficiality.

In this quote, Thoreau critiques a form of patriotism that is devoid of true respect for oneself and one's values. He argues that a shallow or uncritical love for one's homeland may result in honoring mere physical land rather than engaging with the deeper ideals and spirit that should define genuine patriotism. In essence, he depicts this kind of patriotism as more of a foolish obsession than a noble virtue.

Themes

PatriotismSelf-RespectNationalismValuesCritique

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on nationalism, this quote can highlight the dangers of blind patriotism.

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