Clear Quote by Leo Tolstoy
“It would, therefore, seem obvious that patriotism as a feeling is bad and harmful, and as a doctrine is stupid. For it is clear that if each people and each State considers itself the best of peoples and States, they all live in a gross and harmful delusion.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on Patriotism, 1885
Patriotism is portrayed as a harmful delusion when each group claims superiority, leading to conflict.
In simple terms: Blind national pride creates conflict and delusion.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and global empathy.
Themes
nationalism
delusion
conflict
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- school curricula
- international negotiations
Key Concepts
identity
collectivism
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance pride and humility?
- What alternatives to patriotism foster unity?
A Different Perspective
May overlook legitimate cultural pride.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
