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General welfare Quote by H G Wells

“We may suggest that a nation is in effect any assembly, mixture, or confusion of people which is either afflicted by or wishes to be afflicted by a foreign office of its own, in order that it should behave collectively as if its needs, desires, and vanities were beyond comparison more important…” quote by H G Wells
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““We may suggest that a nation is in effect any assembly, mixture, or confusion of people which is either afflicted by or wishes to be afflicted by a foreign office of its own, in order that it should behave collectively as if its needs, desires, and vanities were beyond comparison more important than the general welfare of humanity.””

H G Wells

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Open Conspiracy, 1928

A nation can be defined by its collective identity, often shaped by external influences that may override common humanity.

In simple terms: National identity can be shaped by foreign forces.

Key Takeaway

Critically assess external influences on policy.

Themes

identity nationhood influence

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • immigration policy
  • media narratives

Key Concepts

cultural hegemony collective will

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a nation beyond external labels?
  • How do internal values resist foreign pressures?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on external forces can ignore internal agency.

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