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Barbarians Quote by Linda Colley

“If you believe you are the city on the hill, the world's best hope, it is tempting also to believe that outside your boundaries are barbarians.” quote by Linda Colley
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“If you believe you are the city on the hill, the world's best hope, it is tempting also to believe that outside your boundaries are barbarians.”

Linda Colley

About This Quote

Source Book: The World: A History, 2012

Believing one's nation is the pinnacle can lead to seeing outsiders as uncivilized, fostering exclusion.

In simple terms: National pride can breed xenophobia.

Key Takeaway

Balance pride with openness to others.

Themes

nationalism identity exclusion history culture

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • immigration debates
  • educational curricula
  • international relations

Key Concepts

othering civilizational narratives political rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to be a "city on a hill"?
  • How can we celebrate culture without alienating others?
A Different Perspective

Assuming moral superiority ignores internal flaws.

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