England Quote by Aleister Crowley
““First of all, you must never speak of anything by its name -- in that country. So, if you see a tree on a mountain, it will be better to say 'Look at the green on the high'; for that's how they talk -- in that country. And whatever you do, you must find a false reason for doing it -- in that country. If you rob a man, you must say it is to help and protect him: that's the ethics -- of that country. And everything of value has no value at all -- in that country. You must be perfectly commonplace if you want to be a genius -- in that country. And everything you like you must pretend not to like; and anything that is there you must pretend is not there -- in that country. And you must always say that you are sacrificing yourself in the cause of religion, and morality, and humanity, and liberty, and progress, when you want to cheat your neighbour -- in that country." Good heavens!" cried Iliel, 'are we going to England?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen, 1894
In a society that forces hypocrisy, people hide true intentions behind false reasons and pretended values, presenting a façade of virtue while committing deceit.
In simple terms: People pretend to be virtuous while acting selfishly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist societal hypocrisy.
Themes
hypocrisy
deception
social pressure
identity
morality
Mood
cynical
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- personal relationships
- corporate culture
- media narratives
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
social conformity
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does you pressure shape personal integrity?
- What are the costs of living a double life?
A Different Perspective
Such forced duplicity can erode trust and authenticity in communities.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
