Let us take a patriot, where we can meet him; and, that we may not flatter ourselves by false appearances, distinguish those marks which are certain, from those which may deceive; for a man may have the external appearance of a patriot, without the constituent qualities; as false coins have often lustre, though they want weight.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Distinguish true patriots from those who merely appear patriotic, like shiny but weightless coins.
- In plain terms
- Look beyond appearances to assess genuine patriotism.
- What can you take from it?
- Evaluate actions, not just words.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What signs indicate real patriotism?
- How can we avoid being deceived?
Another view
Sometimes genuine motives are hidden, making assessment hard.
More from Samuel Johnson
It ought to be deeply impressed on the minds of all who have voices in this national deliberation, that no man can deserve a seat in parliament, who is not a p…
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Permalink to quote #90 The world is not yet exhausted: let me see something to-morrow which I never saw before.
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