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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nations, like people, have early stages of development.
In plain terms
Nations go through an infancy.
What can you take from it?
Treat young nations with patience and support.

Where it applies

  • international aid
  • policy planning

Putting it to work

  • supporting emerging states
  • tailoring diplomacy

Questions to consider

  • What challenges do nations face in their infancy?
  • How can the international community help?

Another view

The metaphor may overlook unique historical contexts.

More from Henry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St John

  1. I have read somewhere or other,-in Dionysius of Halicarnassus, I think,-that history is philosophy teaching by examples.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. They (Thucydides and Xenophon) maintained the dignity of history.

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. Truth lies within a little and certain compass, but error is immense.

    Permalink to quote #1

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