Golden rule Quote by W.B. Yeats
““Jonathan Swift made a soul for the gentlemen of this city by hating his neighbor as himself.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Lady’s Not for Burning,” 1919
Swift’s satire suggests that hating others as oneself creates a shared identity among the elite.
In simple terms: Hating neighbors creates a common elite identity.
Key Takeaway
Question the moral basis of such hatred.
Themes
satire
social critique
identity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- community building
- social media
- education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
elitism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑hatred shape group dynamics?
- Can empathy replace this form of identity?
A Different Perspective
Such hatred can reinforce division and injustice.
