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We make no hypocritical pretense of being interested in the Philippines solely on account of others. While we regard the welfare of these people as a sacred trust, we regard the welfare of the American people first. We see our duty to ourselves as well as to others. We believe in trade expansion. By every legitimate means within the province of government and constitution we mean to stimulate the expansion of our trade and open new markets.

Henry Cabot Lodge#2

PoliticsForeign policyNationalismPolicyTrade

About this quote

What does it mean?
The US claims to help Filipinos but prioritizes American welfare and trade expansion.
In plain terms
America helps others only when it benefits Americans first.
What can you take from it?
National interests often come before foreign aid.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • balance duty and self-interest

Questions to consider

  • Is self-interest a valid policy goal?
  • How do nations balance needs?

Another view

This perspective can seem hypocritical to outsiders.

More from Henry Cabot Lodge

  1. Let every man honor and love the land of his birth and the race from which he springs and keep their memory green. It is a pious and honorable duty. But let us…

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  2. It is the flag just as much of the man who was naturalized yesterday as of the man whose people have been here many generations.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. He was a great patriot, a great man; above all, a great American. His country was the ruling, mastering passion of his life from the beginning even unto the en…

    Permalink to quote #4

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