Commonwealth Quote by Queen Elizabeth II
“It is easy enough to define what the Commonwealth is not. Indeed this is quite a popular pastime.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commonwealth Day, 1970
Defining an entity by what it isn’t is a common, unproductive pastime.
In simple terms: Defining by negation is unhelpful.
Key Takeaway
Define positively.
Themes
identity
politics
definition
dialogue
Mood
thoughtful
neutral
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- organizational branding
- civic education
Key Concepts
negative framing
group identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better define groups positively?
- What are risks of negative framing?
A Different Perspective
Negatives can obscure core values.
![“[To the suggestion that Great Britain might someday want a Republic:] We'll go quietly.” quote by Queen Elizabeth II](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f93/queen-elizabeth-ii-10692_britain_to-the-suggestion-that-great-britain-mig_801378.jpg)
![“Brian Mulroney, myself, [and] Rajiv Gandhi; I think that was the real core [of the Commonwealth ]. That was the engine room, I reckon.” quote by Bob Hawke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/96c/bob-hawke-7891_brian_brian-mulroney-myself-and-rajiv-gandhi-i_19423.jpg)
