Dangerous Quote by Martin Schulz
“The dangerous glorification of the nation state, and the baiting of minorities that goes along with it, releases an anti-democratic energy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Parliament Address, 2017
Elevating the nation-state can marginalize minorities and foster anti‑democratic sentiment.
In simple terms: Nationalism can breed exclusion and undermine democracy.
Key Takeaway
Beware of rhetoric that pits majority against minorities.
Themes
politics
nation‑state
minorities
democracy
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- immigration reform
- community building
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
populism
identity politics
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does national pride become exclusionary?
- What safeguards protect minorities in democratic societies?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook economic benefits some citizens perceive from strong national identity.
![“The "democratic spirit"... [or the campaign to make everyone the same] leads to a nation without great men, a nation mainly of subliterates, full of the cocksureness which flattery breeds on ignorance, and quick to snarl or whimper at the first hint of criticism.” quote by C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7cd/c-s-lewis-121_democracy_the-democratic-spirit-or-the-campaign-to_970335.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
