--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Patriotism! It is used to define so many…" description: "\"Patriotism! It is used to define so many diversities, to justify so many wrongs, to compass so many ends, that its life is killed out; it becomes a dea..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/edwin-hubbel-chapin-1652_blank_patriotism-it-is-used-to-define-so-many_357397.png" --- # Patriotism! It is used to define so many diversities, to… ![“Patriotism! It is used to define so many diversities, to justify so many wrongs, to compass so many ends, that its life is killed out; it becomes a dead word in the vocabulary-a blank counter, to be moved to any part of the game; and that flag which, streaming from the mast-head of our ship of…” quote by Edwin Hubbel Chapin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/edwin-hubbel-chapin-1652_blank_patriotism-it-is-used-to-define-so-many_357397.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/edwin-hubbel-chapin-1652_blank_patriotism-it-is-used-to-define-so-many_357397.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/edwin-hubbel-chapin-1652_blank_patriotism-it-is-used-to-define-so-many_357397.png) > “Patriotism! It is used to define so many diversities, to justify so many wrongs, to compass so many ends, that its life is killed out; it becomes a dead word in the vocabulary-a blank counter, to be moved to any part of the game; and that flag which, streaming from the mast-head of our ship of state, striped with martyr-blood, and glistening with the stars of lofty promise, should always indicate our worldwide mission, and the glorious destinies that we carry forward, is bandied about in every selfish skirmish, and held up as the symbol of every political privateer.” [Edwin Hubbel Chapin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-hubbel-chapin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author critiques patriotism as a malleable slogan used to justify diverse agendas, often stripped of meaning. **In simple terms:** Patriotism is often used to serve various political ends, losing its true sense. Key Takeaway Question the motives behind patriotic rhetoric. Themes politics identity language manipulation Mood critical analytical skeptical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - political speeches - campaigns - media narratives - public debates Key Concepts nationalism symbolic rhetoric ethical critique Questions to Reflect On - When does patriotism positively unite people? - How can symbols retain authentic meaning? A Different Perspective Patriotism can also inspire genuine unity and sacrifice. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Compass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compass/) [Destiny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/destiny/) [Diversity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diversity/) [Flag](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flag/) [Flags](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flags/) [Games](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/games/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Lofty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lofty/) [Martyr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/martyr/) [Missions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/missions/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [Political](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political/) [Promise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/promise/) [Stars](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stars/) [Symbols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/symbols/) [Vocabulary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vocabulary/) ## Related quotes > [Unfortunately, our history has abundant examples of patriotism being used to hurt those who express views in disagreement with that of the majority.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vic-snyder/unfortunately-our-history-has-abundant-examples-of-patriotism-being/) [Vic Snyder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vic-snyder/) > [Failure of government programs prompts more determined effort, while the loss of liberty is ignored or rationalized away...whether is it is the war on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-paul/failure-of-government-programs-prompts-more-determined-effort-while/) [Ron Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-paul/) > [The mountains and moors, the wild uplands, are to be staked out like vampires in the sun, their chests pierced with rows of five-hundred-foot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-kingsnorth/the-mountains-and-moors-the-wild-uplands-are-to-be-staked-out-like/) [Paul Kingsnorth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-kingsnorth/) > [Public opinion is the pennant on a nation's mast which shows the politician and the editor how to trim the sails.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/austin-o-malley/public-opinion-is-the-pennant-on-a-nation-s-mast-which-shows-the/) [Austin O'Malley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/austin-o-malley/) > [My God, this novel makes me break out in a cold sweat! 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