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Argument Quote by Herman Melville

“There seems no reason why patriotism and narrowness should go together, or why intellectual impartiality should be confounded with political trimming, or why serviceable truth should keep cloistered be a cause not partisan.” quote by Herman Melville
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“There seems no reason why patriotism and narrowness should go together, or why intellectual impartiality should be confounded with political trimming, or why serviceable truth should keep cloistered be a cause not partisan.”

Herman Melville

About This Quote

Source Essay: Thoughts on Patriotism, 1850

Patriotism need not be narrow; intellectual neutrality shouldn't be politicized, and truth should be shared beyond partisan lines.

In simple terms: Patriotism can be broad.

Key Takeaway

Embrace inclusive patriotism.

Themes

patriotism intellectual freedom truth

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • public discourse
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

Civic virtue political philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true patriotism look like?
  • How can truth stay nonpartisan?
A Different Perspective

Patriotic sentiment can be co-opted by extremes.

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