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About this quote

What does it mean?
Love for one's country persists despite its flaws.
In plain terms
I love England even though it has many faults.
What can you take from it?
Accept your nation's flaws while remaining loyal.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • national reflection
  • exile

Putting it to work

  • civic engagement
  • critical patriotism

Questions to consider

  • What defines your love for your country?
  • Can you criticize and love at once?

Another view

Blind loyalty can prevent necessary reform.

More from William Cowper

  1. Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that moment they are free! They touch our country, and their shackles fall.

    Permalink to quote #67
  2. There is a pleasure in poetic pains Which only poets know.

    Permalink to quote #69
  3. Mountains interposed Make enemies of nations, who had else Like kindred drops, been mingled into one.

    Permalink to quote #66

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