--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are, in fact, a nation of evangelists…" description: "\"“We are, in fact, a nation of evangelists; every third American devotes himself to improving and lifting up his fellow-citizens, usually by force; the ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/135/h-l-mencken-2-5374_america_we-are-in-fact-a-nation-of-evangelists-e_1970276.jpg" --- # We are, in fact, a nation of evangelists; every third… ![“We are, in fact, a nation of evangelists; every third American devotes himself to improving and lifting up his fellow-citizens, usually by force; the messianic delusion is our national disease.” quote by H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/135/h-l-mencken-2-5374_america_we-are-in-fact-a-nation-of-evangelists-e_1970276.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/135/h-l-mencken-2-5374_america_we-are-in-fact-a-nation-of-evangelists-e_1970276.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/135/h-l-mencken-2-5374_america_we-are-in-fact-a-nation-of-evangelists-e_1970276.jpg) > ““We are, in fact, a nation of evangelists; every third American devotes himself to improving and lifting up his fellow-citizens, usually by force; the messianic delusion is our national disease.”” [H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-l-mencken-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker criticizes a cultural tendency toward aggressive moralism, suggesting it harms society. **In simple terms:** Aggressive moralism harms society. Key Takeaway Beware of imposing beliefs forcefully. Themes morality aggression national identity religion psychology Mood critical reflective Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - political debate - community organizing - media commentary - educational curricula Key Concepts Messianic delusion social pathology collective identity Questions to Reflect On - How does forceful moralism affect civic trust? - When is moral advocacy constructive? 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