--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It would, therefore, seem obvious that…" description: "\"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..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/leo-tolstoy-55_clear_it-would-therefore-seem-obvious-that-pat_3038686.jpg" --- # It would, therefore, seem obvious that patriotism as a… ![“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.” quote by Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/leo-tolstoy-55_clear_it-would-therefore-seem-obvious-that-pat_3038686.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/leo-tolstoy-55_clear_it-would-therefore-seem-obvious-that-pat_3038686.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/129/leo-tolstoy-55_clear_it-would-therefore-seem-obvious-that-pat_3038686.jpg) > “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.” [Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-tolstoy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Delusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delusion/) [Doctrine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doctrine/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) ## Related quotes > [Patriotism is a feeling that grows as you become conscious of your surroundings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jubin-nautiyal/patriotism-is-a-feeling-that-grows-as-you-become-conscious-of-your/) [Jubin Nautiyal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jubin-nautiyal/) > [Mayonnaise is a lot like men, it can make everything much better, adding flavor and ease to your life. 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