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We must rouse in our people the unanimous wish for power…

“We must rouse in our people the unanimous wish for power in this sense, together with the determination to sacrifice on the altar of patriotism, not only life and property, but also private views and preferences in the interests of the common welfare.” quote by Friedrich von Bernhardi
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“We must rouse in our people the unanimous wish for power in this sense, together with the determination to sacrifice on the altar of patriotism, not only life and property, but also private views and preferences in the interests of the common welfare.”

Friedrich von Bernhardi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Calls for collective will to prioritize national interests over personal concerns, even at great personal cost.

In simple terms: Prioritize national welfare over personal preferences.

Key Takeaway

Embrace sacrifice for the common good.

Themes

patriotism collective will self‑sacrifice nationalism

Mood

determined serious

Type

political ideological

When to use this quote

  • political mobilization
  • war effort
  • public policy debates
  • civil service decisions

Key Concepts

social contract civic duty military ethos

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it justified to demand personal sacrifice for national goals?
  • How can societies balance collective welfare with personal rights?
A Different Perspective

May suppress individual freedoms and dissent.

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