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About this quote

What does it mean?
England is criticized via a witty hypothetical naming convention.
In plain terms
He jokes that England should be named after the curses he hears there.
What can you take from it?
Humor reveals frustration with national culture.

Where it applies

  • travel
  • cross-cultural interaction
  • social commentary

Putting it to work

  • using satire to critique
  • naming trends
  • travel writing

Questions to consider

  • How do names reflect cultural values?
  • What country would you rename?

Another view

It generalizes national character based on limited experience.

More from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

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  3. If it is permissible to write plays that are not intended to be seen, I should like to see who can prevent me from writing a book no one can read.

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