Quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
A man may devote himself to death and destruction to save a nation but no nation will devote itself to death and destruction to save mankind.
Summary
This quote highlights the asymmetry of human sacrifice and the limitations of collective action. It suggests that individuals are capable of great selflessness and can give up their lives for the greater good of a nation. However, the quote also implies that nations, as collective entities, are unlikely to prioritize the well-being of humanity as a whole over their own preservation, reflecting the inherent self-interest and self-preservation instincts within nations. It raises questions about the willingness of nations to make sacrifices for the benefit of all mankind.