--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Nationalism has two fatal charms for its…" description: "\"Nationalism has two fatal charms for its devotees: It presupposes local self-sufficiency, which is a pleasant and desirable condition, and it suggests,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13d/e-b-white-1448_belonging_nationalism-has-two-fatal-charms-for-its_1041831.png" --- # Nationalism has two fatal charms for its devotees: It… ![“Nationalism has two fatal charms for its devotees: It presupposes local self-sufficiency, which is a pleasant and desirable condition, and it suggests, very subtly, a certain personal superiority by reason of one's belonging to a place which is definable and familiar, as against a place that is…” quote by E. B. White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13d/e-b-white-1448_belonging_nationalism-has-two-fatal-charms-for-its_1041831.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13d/e-b-white-1448_belonging_nationalism-has-two-fatal-charms-for-its_1041831.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/13d/e-b-white-1448_belonging_nationalism-has-two-fatal-charms-for-its_1041831.png) > “Nationalism has two fatal charms for its devotees: It presupposes local self-sufficiency, which is a pleasant and desirable condition, and it suggests, very subtly, a certain personal superiority by reason of one's belonging to a place which is definable and familiar, as against a place that is strange, remote.” [E. B. White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/e-b-white/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Nationalism appeals by promising self-reliance and a sense of superiority tied to familiar places, creating an exclusive identity. **In simple terms:** Nationalism offers comfort and pride but can be exclusionary. Key Takeaway Recognize both appeal and danger of nationalism. Themes identity belonging exclusivity political ideology psychology Mood thoughtful balanced Type philosophical social critique When to use this quote - political movements - community building - immigration debates - education curricula Key Concepts nationalism social identity theory in-group bias Questions to Reflect On - When does pride in local culture become harmful? - How can societies balance local identity with global cooperation? A Different Perspective The view may ignore positive aspects of local self-sufficiency. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Belonging](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/belonging/) [Charm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/charm/) [Devotee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devotee/) [Nationalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nationalism/) [Nations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nations/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self sufficiency](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-sufficiency/) [Sufficiency](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufficiency/) ## Related quotes > [My success is not due to any personal superiority over other people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-philip-sousa/my-success-is-not-due-to-any-personal-superiority-over-other-people/) [John Philip Sousa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-philip-sousa/) > [Most apparent conspiracies result from consistent local self-interest with no need for global coordination.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patri-friedman/most-apparent-conspiracies-result-from-consistent-local-self-interest/) [Patri Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patri-friedman/) > [I have always insisted on the need for local self-government for Russia, but I never opposed this model to Western democracy. 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