Say what you like about my bloody murderous government,’ I says, ‘but don’t insult me poor bleedin’ country.’
Patriotism Quotes
Patriotism: In Dr. Johnson’s famous dictionary, patriotism is defined as “The last refuge of a scoundrel”. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer, I beg to submit that it is the first.
When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home.
The man who prefers his country before any other duty shows the same spirit as the man who surrenders every right to the state. They both deny that right is superior to authority.
What this country needs – what every country needs occasionally – is a good hard bloody war to revive the vice of patriotism on which its existence as a nation depends.
Of course we argued about the war (in South Africa). After some interchanges I found myself beaten back to the citadel “My country right or wrong.” – “Ah,” said the old gentleman, “When the poor country is fighting for its life, I agree. But this was not your case”. (relating his 1900 exchange with Mark […]
