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About this quote

What does it mean?
Voltaire notes that wanting national greatness often implies wishing misfortune on neighbors. Patriotism can inherently conflict with universal goodwill.
In plain terms
Loving your country too much hurts others.
What can you take from it?
Nationalism often requires others to suffer.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • civic debate
  • ethics

Putting it to work

  • question nationalist rhetoric
  • promote global empathy

Questions to consider

  • Can love of country be peaceful?
  • Is zero-sum politics inevitable?

Another view

Patriotism does not always lead to harm.

More from Voltaire

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