Summary
This quote suggests that when an individual agrees to identify themselves with a particular nationality, they are willingly consenting to the concept of a nation and its cultural, historical, and social aspects. However, the "state" implies a system of governance and authority that uses force or coercion to maintain control over its citizens. The quote highlights the difference between one's voluntary affiliation with a nationality and the enforced power dynamics within a state. It hints at the potential conflict between personal choice and the obligations imposed by a governing entity.