--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious." description: "\"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.\" — Oscar Wilde" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/610/oscar-wilde-16_character_patriotism-is-the-virtue-of-the-vicious_1701578.jpg" --- # Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious. ![“Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/610/oscar-wilde-16_character_patriotism-is-the-virtue-of-the-vicious_1701578.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/610/oscar-wilde-16_character_patriotism-is-the-virtue-of-the-vicious_1701578.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/610/oscar-wilde-16_character_patriotism-is-the-virtue-of-the-vicious_1701578.jpg) > “Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.” [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Patriotism can mask aggressive motives, turning love of country into a tool for cruelty. **In simple terms:** Patriotism may hide viciousness. Key Takeaway Question the motives behind national pride. Themes nationalism morality politics Mood critical thoughtful Type philosophical political When to use this quote - political rally - military recruitment - public debate Key Concepts virtue ethics political manipulation Questions to Reflect On - What defines virtuous patriotism? - Can love of country be purely altruistic? A Different Perspective Patriotism can also inspire genuine solidarity and service. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Nationalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nationalism/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-rush/patriotism-is-as-much-a-virtue-as-justice-and-is-as-necessary-for-the-2/) [Benjamin Rush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-rush/) > [Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-rush/patriotism-is-as-much-a-virtue-as-justice-and-is-as-necessary-for-the/) [Benjamin Rush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-rush/) > [“Patriotism is a virtue of the wicked. 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