Skip to content

Admiration Quote by Norbert Elias

“The number of those who have to be assimilated to the majority is not too high. It remains small compared with the numbers of the majority. But there is one thing - and that is the main reason for this digression - that French and British have in common: to this day they have an immense pride in…” quote by Norbert Elias
Download Open image
“The number of those who have to be assimilated to the majority is not too high. It remains small compared with the numbers of the majority. But there is one thing - and that is the main reason for this digression - that French and British have in common: to this day they have an immense pride in being French, in being British. The fact that in the meantime both have come down to earth a little has not yet affected their pride in their own nationality and the fact that, if I may express it that way, they are mutual admiration societies: how fine the British are, how fine the French are.”

Norbert Elias

About This Quote

Source Book: The Civilizing Process, 1939

National pride persists despite shared traits, creating mutual admiration societies.

In simple terms: Pride endures across nations.

Key Takeaway

Recognize common humanity.

Themes

nationalism pride identity culture mutual admiration

Mood

analytical critical

Type

sociological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • cross‑cultural exchange
  • education

Key Concepts

social identity theory collective self-esteem

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does shared pride affect cooperation?
  • Can mutual admiration reduce rivalry?
A Different Perspective

Pride can foster exclusion or conflict.

4.5 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Norbert Elias

Explore all 19 Norbert Elias quotes

More Admiration quotes

Browse all 1,179 Admiration quotes