If the national mental illness of the United States is megalomania, that of Canada is paranoid schizophrenia.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The US suffers from unchecked ambition while Canada suffers from excessive suspicion of external influence.
- In plain terms
- America is too arrogant, Canada is too suspicious.
- What can you take from it?
- Compare national traits to understand cultural weaknesses.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines your nation's character?
- How do stereotypes limit understanding?
Another view
National stereotypes oversimplify complex societies.
More from Margaret Atwood
If I were going to convert to any religion I would probably choose Catholicism because it at least has female saints and the Virgin Mary.
Permalink to quote #69 In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
Permalink to quote #71 If a stranger taps you on the ass and says, 'How's the little lady today!' you will probably cringe. But if he's an American, he's only being friendly.
Permalink to quote #68
Related quotes
When Marilyn Monroe got out of the game, I wrote something like, 'Southern California's special horror notwithstanding, if the world offered nothing, nowhere t…
Thomas PynchonThomas Pynchon quote #1 To understand a man, you must know his memories. The same is true of a nation.
Anthony QuayleAnthony Quayle quote #1 The illusion that times that were are better than those that are, has probably pervaded all ages.
Horace GreeleyHorace Greeley quote #1