All nationalists have the power of not seeing resemblances…
““All nationalists have the power of not seeing resemblances between similar sets of facts. A British Tory will defend self-determination in Europe and oppose it in India with no feeling of inconsistency. Actions are held to be good or bad, not on their own merits, but according to who does them, and there is almost no kind of outrage — torture, the use of hostages, forced labour, mass deportations, imprisonment without trial, forgery, assassination, the bombing of civilians — which does not change its moral colour when it is committed by 'our' side . . . The nationalist not only does not disapprove of atrocities committed by his own side, but he has a remarkable capacity for not even hearing about them””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Nationalism blinds people to contradictions, allowing moral double standards based on group identity.
In simple terms: Nationalism causes selective morality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias and hold all actions to same moral standard.
Themes
bias
double standards
morality
politics
nationalism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- media criticism
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
ethical relativism
in‑group favoritism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify when your own group is being judged differently?
- What mechanisms can reduce selective moral outrage?
A Different Perspective
Nationalism can be rooted in genuine cultural pride, not just hypocrisy.