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.”
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.
Balance pride with openness to others.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- immigration debates
- educational curricula
- international relations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be a "city on a hill"?
- How can we celebrate culture without alienating others?
Assuming moral superiority ignores internal flaws.