Nothing is more essential, than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington warns against letting hatred or love for other nations guide foreign policy.
- In plain terms
- A nation that hates or loves another too much becomes a slave to those feelings.
- What can you take from it?
- Foreign policy should be based on interest, not emotion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does emotion affect your decisions?
- What guides your view of other groups?
Another view
Ignoring relationships can lead to isolation or missed cooperation.
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