"Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it"

In this quote, Denis Diderot is recommending that patriotism is a fleeting emotion that is just present when there is a specific danger or hazard to society. He believes that real patriotism is not a lasting or enduring feeling, but rather a short-term response to a particular scenario. Diderot suggests that as soon as the risk has passed, the sensation of patriotism will also disappear. This quote highlights the concept that patriotism is often a reactionary emotion, rather than a deeply deep-rooted belief or worth. Diderot's point of view challenges the idea that patriotism is a consistent and undeviating force, and rather recommends that it is a momentary reaction to external situations.