--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I would rather be British than just." description: "\"I would rather be British than just.\" — Ian Paisley" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png" --- # I would rather be British than just. ![“I would rather be British than just.” quote by Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png) > “I would rather be British than just.” [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) ## 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 prefers British identity over a vague sense of being “just,” emphasizing national pride. **In simple terms:** He values British identity over being undefined. Key Takeaway Embrace clear cultural identity. Themes nationalism identity pride politics Mood assertive political Type political personal When to use this quote - political discourse - national debates - personal statements Key Concepts cultural affiliation political rhetoric personal conviction Questions to Reflect On - What does national identity mean to you? - How do you balance pride with inclusivity? A Different Perspective Strong identity can alienate others. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [British](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/british/) [British Just](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/british-just-5090051/) [Just](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/just/) ## Related quotes > [I've never felt British. I'm just not interested in national identity. I don't know why.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elvis-costello/i-ve-never-felt-british-i-m-just-not-interested-in-national-identity/) [Elvis Costello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elvis-costello/) > [ It's daunting trying to do any service as an American to such a beautiful, fluid speech pattern that you \[British\] all have. We are… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jake-gyllenhaal/it-s-daunting-trying-to-do-any-service-as-an-american-to-such-a/) [Jake Gyllenhaal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jake-gyllenhaal/) > [In the 1970s, British food was beginning to get good, whereas in France it was just starting its long, sad decline. My most memorable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sebastian-faulks/in-the-1970s-british-food-was-beginning-to-get-good-whereas-in-france/) [Sebastian Faulks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sebastian-faulks/) > [While we like to think queueing is unique to British culture, the truth is that we are mere amateurs. The old Soviet Union turned…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-hartley-brewer/while-we-like-to-think-queueing-is-unique-to-british-culture-the/) [Julia Hartley-Brewer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-hartley-brewer/) > [It could be my British need for discipline that makes me admire the American appetite for freedom and passion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-winwood/it-could-be-my-british-need-for-discipline-that-makes-me-admire-the/) [Steve Winwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-winwood/) > [Although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/although-i-don-t-have-anything-against-people-from-other-countries/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [British Forces should be in a position to give back in a ten fold measure any attack that the Germans may attempt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-banting/british-forces-should-be-in-a-position-to-give-back-in-a-ten-fold/) [Frederick Banting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-banting/) > [All the cliches of glamorous sophistication have little appeal to me. Do I want to live the British version of 'Dynasty?' No thanks!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sade-adu/all-the-cliches-of-glamorous-sophistication-have-little-appeal-to-me/) [Sade Adu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sade-adu/) > [Somebody said that part of my reaction to British cinema is actually, paradoxically, a patriotic one. I'm so disappointed that we're not better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-brownlow/somebody-said-that-part-of-my-reaction-to-british-cinema-is-actually/) [Kevin Brownlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-brownlow/) > [I always wanted to make a 'James Bond' film, and they only seemed to hire British directors, and I'd made 'Swingers' - they were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doug-liman/i-always-wanted-to-make-a-james-bond-film-and-they-only-seemed-to/) [Doug Liman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doug-liman/) > [When we first sold the Wallace and Gromit shorts to America, people suggested we get rid of the strange British accents and put clear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-park/when-we-first-sold-the-wallace-and-gromit-shorts-to-america-people/) [Nick Park](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-park/) > [ No wonder that Churchill described this effort \[the British codebreakers working at Bletchley Park\] as "Britian"s secret weapon," a weapon far more effective than… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-hilton/no-wonder-that-churchill-described-this-effort-the-british/) [Peter Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hilton/) > [We can find common qualities and common values that have made Britain the country it is. Our belief in tolerance and liberty which shines…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gordon-brown/we-can-find-common-qualities-and-common-values-that-have-made-britain/) [Gordon Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gordon-brown/) > [I shot for French and British Vogue. The British Vogue one featured clothes by Chloe and was shot at Highgate and the John Soane…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nan-goldin/i-shot-for-french-and-british-vogue-the-british-vogue-one-featured/) [Nan Goldin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nan-goldin/) > [I'd love to work in the States; I'd love to work anywhere where you get a good script and a good part to play.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-carmichael/i-d-love-to-work-in-the-states-i-d-love-to-work-anywhere-where-you/) [Laura Carmichael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-carmichael/) ## More by Ian Paisley > [People don't expect to die tomorrow, but they do take out insurance, don't they?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/people-don-t-expect-to-die-tomorrow-but-they-do-take-out-insurance/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [Never confuse sitting on your side with being on your side.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/never-confuse-sitting-on-your-side-with-being-on-your-side/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [Don't come crying to me if your homes are attacked. You will reap what you sow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/don-t-come-crying-to-me-if-your-homes-are-attacked-you-will-reap-what/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [I will walk on no grave of Ulster's honoured dead to do a deal with the IRA or the British government.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-will-walk-on-no-grave-of-ulster-s-honoured-dead-to-do-a-deal-with/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [A man who keeps on going; a man who keeps his eye on the ball.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/a-man-who-keeps-on-going-a-man-who-keeps-his-eye-on-the-ball/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [We are not going into government with Sinn Fein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/we-are-not-going-into-government-with-sinn-fein/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [Catholic homes caught fire because they were loaded with petrol bombs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/catholic-homes-caught-fire-because-they-were-loaded-with-petrol-bombs/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [I have never made an inflammatory statement in my life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-have-never-made-an-inflammatory-statement-in-my-life/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [I believe that Northern Ireland has come to a time of peace, a time when hate will no longer rule.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-believe-that-northern-ireland-has-come-to-a-time-of-peace-a-time/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [Line dancing is as sinful as any other type of dancing, with its sexual gestures and touching. It is an incitement to lust.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/line-dancing-is-as-sinful-as-any-other-type-of-dancing-with-its/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [Unsaturated fat is an outrage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/unsaturated-fat-is-an-outrage/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [We're on the verge of civil war in Northern Ireland. Why? Because if you take away the forums of democracy you don't have anything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/we-re-on-the-verge-of-civil-war-in-northern-ireland-why-because-if/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [It was amazing that I was ever elected.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/it-was-amazing-that-i-was-ever-elected/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [The gun is not out of Irish politics.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/the-gun-is-not-out-of-irish-politics/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) > [Come Friday, the world will see what the Protestant people really think of this so-called peace process, which is really a surrender process.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/come-friday-the-world-will-see-what-the-protestant-people-really/) [Ian Paisley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) [Explore all 20 Ian Paisley quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/) ## More British quotes > [I'd love to work in the States; I'd love to work anywhere where you get a good script and a good part to play.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-carmichael/i-d-love-to-work-in-the-states-i-d-love-to-work-anywhere-where-you/) [Laura Carmichael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-carmichael/) > [I shot for French and British Vogue. The British Vogue one featured clothes by Chloe and was shot at Highgate and the John Soane…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nan-goldin/i-shot-for-french-and-british-vogue-the-british-vogue-one-featured/) [Nan Goldin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nan-goldin/) > [We can find common qualities and common values that have made Britain the country it is. Our belief in tolerance and liberty which shines…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gordon-brown/we-can-find-common-qualities-and-common-values-that-have-made-britain/) [Gordon Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gordon-brown/) > [ No wonder that Churchill described this effort \[the British codebreakers working at Bletchley Park\] as "Britian"s secret weapon," a weapon far more effective than… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-hilton/no-wonder-that-churchill-described-this-effort-the-british/) [Peter Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hilton/) > [When we first sold the Wallace and Gromit shorts to America, people suggested we get rid of the strange British accents and put clear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-park/when-we-first-sold-the-wallace-and-gromit-shorts-to-america-people/) [Nick Park](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-park/) > [I always wanted to make a 'James Bond' film, and they only seemed to hire British directors, and I'd made 'Swingers' - they were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doug-liman/i-always-wanted-to-make-a-james-bond-film-and-they-only-seemed-to/) [Doug Liman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doug-liman/) > [Somebody said that part of my reaction to British cinema is actually, paradoxically, a patriotic one. I'm so disappointed that we're not better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-brownlow/somebody-said-that-part-of-my-reaction-to-british-cinema-is-actually/) [Kevin Brownlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-brownlow/) > [All the cliches of glamorous sophistication have little appeal to me. Do I want to live the British version of 'Dynasty?' No thanks!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sade-adu/all-the-cliches-of-glamorous-sophistication-have-little-appeal-to-me/) [Sade Adu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sade-adu/) > [British Forces should be in a position to give back in a ten fold measure any attack that the Germans may attempt.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-banting/british-forces-should-be-in-a-position-to-give-back-in-a-ten-fold/) [Frederick Banting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-banting/) > [Although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/although-i-don-t-have-anything-against-people-from-other-countries/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It could be my British need for discipline that makes me admire the American appetite for freedom and passion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-winwood/it-could-be-my-british-need-for-discipline-that-makes-me-admire-the/) [Steve Winwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-winwood/) > [While we like to think queueing is unique to British culture, the truth is that we are mere amateurs. The old Soviet Union turned…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julia-hartley-brewer/while-we-like-to-think-queueing-is-unique-to-british-culture-the/) [Julia Hartley-Brewer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julia-hartley-brewer/) > [The American Constitution declares 'All men are born equal.' The British Socialist Party add: 'All men must be kept equal'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/the-american-constitution-declares-all-men-are-born-equal-the-british/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [The whole nuclear-arms-control and non-proliferation policy of the nuclear powers is a fraud: The Americans could not prevent the Soviets from replicating their weaponry,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/conrad-black/the-whole-nuclear-arms-control-and-non-proliferation-policy-of-the/) [Conrad Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/conrad-black/) > [There just seems to be more acceptance now of other kinds of British films, than the picture-postcard ones.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-roth/there-just-seems-to-be-more-acceptance-now-of-other-kinds-of-british/) [Tim Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-roth/) [Browse all 3,149 British quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/british/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I would rather be British than just.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ian Paisley" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-would-rather-be-british-than-just/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "British" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-would-rather-be-british-than-just/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78d/ian-paisley-27688_british_i-would-rather-be-british-than-just-3148_3148421.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I would rather be British than just.” — Ian Paisley", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ian Paisley", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-paisley/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I would rather be British than...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-would-rather-be-british-than-just/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-paisley/i-would-rather-be-british-than-just/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```