Colonists Quote by Nathaniel Philbrick
““For the future welfare of the settlement, it was essential that all the colonists—Leideners and Strangers alike—learn to live together as best they could. This nonjudgmental attitude did not come naturally to the Leideners. As Separatists, they considered themselves godly exceptions to the vast, unredeemed majority of humankind. A sense of exclusivity was fundamental to how they perceived themselves in the world. And yet there is evidence that Robinson’s sense of his congregation as an autonomous enclave of righteousness had become considerably less rigid during his twelve years in Holland.””
About This Quote
Source Book: "Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War" by Nathaniel Philbrick, 2006
The colonists needed to overcome their exclusive, self‑righteous attitudes to coexist peacefully, and over time their rigid self‑image softened.
In simple terms: Colonists had to learn cooperation despite pride.
Key Takeaway
Foster humility and shared purpose.
Themes
cooperation
identity
community
change
exclusivity
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- settlement building
- conflict resolution
- intercultural dialogue
- leadership development
Key Concepts
social dynamics
group identity
cultural adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can groups break down entrenched exclusivity?
- What practices encourage inclusive mindsets?
A Different Perspective
Human nature often resists change, especially when tied to deep‑seated beliefs.
![“[Albert] Camus' was born in Algeria of French nationality, and was assimilated into the French colony, although the French colonists rejected him absolutely because of his poverty.” quote by Catherine Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f43/catherine-camus-12238_algeria_albert-camus-was-born-in-algeria-of-fren_628933.jpg)
