Every good citizen makes his country’s honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and its conscious that he gains protection while he gives it.
—Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) American Head of State, Judge, Military Leader
Do not isolate thyself from the community and its interests.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
He who revolts against the government commits as great a sin as if he revolted against God.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
I dislike loud-mouthed patriots who think they like our country more than I do. Some people’s idea of patriotism is hating other countries.
—Andy Rooney (b.1919) American Writer, Humorist, TV Personality
A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.
—Burton Hillis (William E. Vaughan) (1915–77) American Columnist, Author
The citizen who criticizes his country is paying it an implied tribute.
—J. William Fulbright (1905–95) American Political leader, Politician
To read the papers and to listen to the news… one would think the country is in terrible trouble. You do not get that impression when you travel the back roads and the small towns do care about their country and wish it well.
—Charles Kuralt (1934–97) American Journalist, TV Personality
Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles.
—George Jean Nathan (1882–1958) American Drama Critic, Editor
Pray for the welfare of the government, since if it were not for the awe which it inspires, men would swallow each other alive.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Were it not for patriotism, sterile lands would be deserted.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Do not aspire for public offices; but where there are no men, try thou to be a man.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country.
—Sinclair Lewis (1885–1951) American Novelist, Short-Story Writer
Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it. Every drop of my blood… will contribute to the growth of this nation and to make it strong and dynamic.
—Indira Gandhi (1917–84) Indian Head of State
The noblest motive is the public good.
—Virgil (70–19 BCE) Roman Poet
Next to the love of God, the love of country is the best preventive of crime.
—George Borrow (1803–81) English Novelist, Author
Patriotism is a kind of religion; it is the egg from which wars are hatched.
—Guy de Maupassant (1850-93) French Novelist, Short-story Writer
A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
—George William Curtis (1824–92) American Essayist, Public Speaker, Editor, Author
It is sinful to deceive the government regarding taxes and duties.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
—Common Proverb
You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it.
—Malcolm X (1925–65) American Civil Rights Leader
It is the patriotic duty of every man to lie for his country.
—Alfred Adler (1870–1937) Austrian Psychiatrist
No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life, in a great cause.
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Explorer
Those who work for the community shall work without selfishness, but with the pure intention to promote its welfare.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith