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What, then, was that policy? It was a policy of conditional neutrality. Under the circumstances of the case we did not believe that it was for the honour or interest of England or Turkey that we should take any part in the impending contest; but while we enforced the neutrality which we prepared to observe, we declared at the same time that that neutrality must cease if British interests were assailed or menaced. Cosmopolitan critics, men who are the friends of every country save their own, have denounced this policy as a selfish policy. My Lord Mayor, it is as selfish as patriotism.

Benjamin Disraeli#62

PoliticsPolicyNationalismInterestsNeutralityPatriotism

About this quote

What does it mean?
Defending national interests even if criticized as selfish is actually patriotic.
In plain terms
Protecting your country can look selfish but is love for it.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize national interests even if others criticize.

Where it applies

  • foreign policy
  • trade negotiations
  • national security

Putting it to work

  • clarify national priorities
  • communicate values clearly

Questions to consider

  • What defines loyalty to my country?
  • Is neutrality ever truly neutral?

Another view

National interests can sometimes harm global cooperation.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend.

    Permalink to quote #61
  2. We have brought a peace, and we trust we have brought a peace with honour, and I trust that that will now be followed by the prosperity of the country.

    Permalink to quote #63
  3. It has been said that the people of this country are deeply interested in the humanitarian and philanthropic considerations involved in [the Eastern Question].…

    Permalink to quote #60

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