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About this quote

What does it mean?
Einstein compares nationalism to a childhood illness, suggesting it is a immature and harmful phase humanity should outgrow.
In plain terms
Nationalism is a childish sickness that people should grow out of.
What can you take from it?
Avoid letting narrow national pride dictate your views.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • international relations
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • critique nationalist rhetoric
  • promote global cooperation

Questions to consider

  • What childhood behaviors do adults outgrow?
  • Is nationalism ever healthy?

Another view

Calling it a disease may oversimplify legitimate cultural pride.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. May the conscience and the common sense of the peoples be awakened, so that we may reach a new stage in the life of nations, where people will look back on war…

    Permalink to quote #147
  2. The state is made for man, not man for the state. And in this respect science resembles the state.

    Permalink to quote #149
  3. If one purges the Judaism of the Prophets and Christianity as Jesus Christ taught it of all subsequent additions, especially those of the priests, one is left …

    Permalink to quote #146

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