France was built with swords. The fleur-de-lis, symbol of national unity, is only the image of a spear with three pikes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- National unity often originates from military conflict rather than peaceful symbolism.
- In plain terms
- The nation was formed through war, not just symbols.
- What can you take from it?
- Symbols often hide the violent history behind unity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does your national flag really represent?
Another view
This view ignores non-violent paths to nation-building.
More from Charles de Gaulle
Nothing great is done without great men, and they are great because they wanted it.
Permalink to quote #19 The desire of privilege and the taste of equality are the dominant and contradictory passions of the French of all times.
Permalink to quote #21 The sword is the axis of the world and grandeur cannot be divided.
Permalink to quote #18
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