"One of the great attractions of patriotism - it fulfills our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we are able, vicariously, to bully and cheat. Bully and cheat, what's more, with a feeling that we are profoundly virtuous"
- Aldous Huxley
About this Quote
This quote by Aldous Huxley talks to the power of patriotism and how it can be used to meet our worst wishes. Huxley suggests that patriotism can be used as a method to vicariously bully and cheat, while still feeling profoundly virtuous. This quote talks to the power of patriotism and how it can be utilized to validate our own self-centered desires. It also speaks with the power of nationalism and how it can be utilized to control individuals into believing that their actions are justified. Huxley's quote is a tip that patriotism can be an effective tool, but it can also be used to control and manage individuals. It is very important to be knowledgeable about the power of patriotism and to utilize it responsibly.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"