America Quote by Neil Sheehan
“We thought that whatever we wanted to do was right and good, simply because we were Americans, and we would succeed at it because we were Americans.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A Bright Shining Lie, 1988
Assuming national identity guarantees moral superiority and success is a flawed, ethnocentric belief.
In simple terms: American exceptionalism is not a guarantee of rightness.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about cultural superiority.
Themes
history
nationalism
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- foreign policy
- military intervention
- international aid
- education programs
Key Concepts
imperialism
identity
hubris
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the hidden costs of believing in inherent superiority?
- How can humility improve international actions?
A Different Perspective
It can blind decision‑makers to local realities and cause harm.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
