Quotes on Patriotic

I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.

When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish.

How much longer are we going to think it necessary to be American before (or in contradistinction to) being cultivated, being enlightened, being humane, and having the same intellectual discipline as other civilized countries?

Though I love my country, I do not love my countrymen.

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.

We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others.

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands.

America has an almost obscene infatuation with itself. Has there ever been a big, powerful country that is as patriotic as America? And patriotic in the tinniest way, with so much flag waving? You'd really think we were some poor little republic, and that if one person lost his religion for one hour, the whole thing would crumble. America is the real religion in this country.

And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was 8 years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.

Patriotism is a pernicious, psychopathic form of idiocy.

Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

Stability in government is essential to national character and to the advantages annexed to it, as well as to that repose and confidence in the minds of the people, which are among the chief blessings of civil society.

I advance in life, I grow more simple, and I become more and more patriotic for humanity.

Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.

We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.

History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside.

The best road to progress is freedom's road.

People don't start wars, governments do.

A man without a vote is man without protection.

Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.