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Patriotism Quote by Edwin A. Abbott

“Imagine a vast sheet of paper on which straight Lines, Triangles, Squares, Pentagons, Hexagons, and other figures, instead of remaining fixed in their places, move freely about, on or in the surface, but without the power of rising above or sinking below it, very much like shadows—only hard with…” quote by Edwin A. Abbott
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““Imagine a vast sheet of paper on which straight Lines, Triangles, Squares, Pentagons, Hexagons, and other figures, instead of remaining fixed in their places, move freely about, on or in the surface, but without the power of rising above or sinking below it, very much like shadows—only hard with luminous edges—and you will then have a pretty correct notion of my country and countrymen.””

Edwin A. Abbott

About This Quote

Source Novel: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, 1884

A metaphorical description of a flat world where shapes move freely, illustrating societal structure and perspective.

In simple terms: A flat world of shapes shows how society is organized.

Key Takeaway

Consider how perspective shapes social hierarchy.

Themes

society perception geometry

Mood

thought‑provoking analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • art
  • urban planning
  • virtual reality
  • gaming

Key Concepts

dimensionality social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does limited perspective influence power?
  • What dimensions are missing in your view?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex social dynamics.

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