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For what is the Tory party unless it represents national feeling? If it does not represent national feeling, Toryism is nothing. It does depend upon hereditary coteries of exclusive nobles. It does not attempt power by attracting to itself the spurious force which may accidentally arise from advocating cosmopolitan principles or talking cosmopolitan jargon. The Tory party is nothing unless it represent and uphold the institutions of the country.

Benjamin Disraeli#37

PoliticsIdentityNationalismParty

About this quote

What does it mean?
The party matters only if it supports national institutions and feelings.
In plain terms
The Tory party is nothing without representing the nation.
What can you take from it?
Political parties must represent national identity.

Where it applies

  • political strategy
  • elections
  • party reform

Putting it to work

  • align with nation
  • support institutions

Questions to consider

  • What defines national feeling?
  • Can a party be cosmopolitan?

Another view

It assumes national feeling is unified.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. Individualities may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.

    Permalink to quote #36
  2. In a progressive country change is constant;: change : is inevitable.

    Permalink to quote #38
  3. Ignorance never settles a question.

    Permalink to quote #35

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