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.

Voltaire
About This Quote

Jules Renard says, “Never wish for the greatness of your fatherland.” The greatest glory lies in wishing for the greatness of one’s country. The greatest glory lies in wishing for the greatness of one’s fatherland to never rise or fall. When you wish for the greatness of your fatherland to never rise or fall, you are wishing for the greatness of all men to never rise or fall.

Source: Philosophical Dictionary

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