Ce corps qui s'appelait et qui s'appelle encore le saint empire romain n'etait en aucune maniere ni saint, ni romain, ni empire.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Voltaire mocks the Holy Roman Empire for being neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.
- In plain terms
- The Holy Roman Empire was not holy, Roman, or an empire.
- What can you take from it?
- Names often mislead about reality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are names important?
- What makes a state legitimate?
Another view
It ignores the complex reality the state did hold some power and influence.
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