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About this quote

What does it mean?
Roosevelt compares loving other countries as much as one's own to loving other women as much as one's wife, suggesting a lack of proper devotion.
In plain terms
Loving your own country most is like being faithful to your wife.
What can you take from it?
Prioritizing one's own nation is as natural as prioritizing one's partner.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • personal relationships
  • national debate

Putting it to work

  • affirm loyalty to home
  • evaluate priorities

Questions to consider

  • Can you love other places deeply?
  • What defines loyalty?

Another view

Nationalism can conflict with global cooperation and empathy.

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