Quote by Voltaire
So it is the human condition that to wish for the greatness of one's fatherland is to wish evil to one's neighbors. The citizen of the universe would be the man who wishes his country never to be either greater or smaller, richer or poorer.
Summary
This quote suggests that when individuals harbor a strong sense of patriotism and a desire for the greatness of their own country, it inherently involves wishing harm or disadvantaging neighboring nations. The quote challenges this perspective by proposing that the ideal citizen is one who sees themselves as a part of the world as a whole, rather than solely loyal to their own country. This citizen wishes for their homeland to remain unchanged in terms of size, wealth, and power, ensuring equality for all nations and promoting a sense of global unity.
By Voltaire
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