Hating Quote by Kurt Vonnegut
![“[Hating America] would be as silly as loving it,” I said. “It’s impossible for me to get emotional about it, because real estate doesn’t interest me. It’s no doubt a great flaw in my personality, but I can’t think in terms of boundaries. Those imaginary lines are as unreal to me as elves and…” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab5/kurt-vonnegut-41_hating_hating-america-would-be-as-silly-as-lovi_2693903.jpg)
““[Hating America] would be as silly as loving it,” I said. “It’s impossible for me to get emotional about it, because real estate doesn’t interest me. It’s no doubt a great flaw in my personality, but I can’t think in terms of boundaries. Those imaginary lines are as unreal to me as elves and pixies. I can’t believe that they mark the end or the beginning of anything of real concern to the human soul. Virtues and vices, pleasures and pains cross boundaries at will.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 1975, Kurt Vonnegut
The speaker dismisses emotional attachment to America, viewing national boundaries as imaginary constructs that do not affect human morality or experience.
In simple terms: National loyalty is seen as arbitrary; personal values transcend borders.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that moral choices are personal, not national.
Themes
identity
morality
nationalism
subjectivity
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- political debate
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
political thought
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define personal versus national identity?
- Can borders ever be morally relevant?
A Different Perspective
Boundaries may still shape policy and law.
![“Thomas Jefferson High School [..] His high school was named after a slave owner who was also one of the world’s greatest theoreticians on the subject of human liberty.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73a/kurt-vonnegut-41_freedom_thomas-jefferson-high-school-his-high-sc_9727.jpg)
