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If modern youth has realized, as I believe it has, that to live for one's country is a finer type of patriotism than to die for it, then the youth of my generation will not, after all, have laid down the best of its life in vain.

— Vera Brittain

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Patriotism

More quotes by Vera Brittain

We should never be at the mercy of Providence if only we understood that we ourselves are Providence.

Testament of Youth (1933)

Politics are usually the executive expression of human immaturity.

The Rebel Passion (1964)

It is probably true to say that the largest scope for change still lies in men’s attitude to women, and in women’s attitude to themselves.

Lady into Woman (1953)

It is still difficult to realise that the moment has actually come at last when 1 shall have no peace of mind any more until the War is over.

Testament of Youth (1933)

Meek wifehood is no part of my profession;
I am your friend, but never your possession.

All Vera Brittain quotes →

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I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

Nathan Hale

It is not easy to see how the more extreme forms of nationalism can long survive when men have seen the Earth in its true perspective as a single small globe against the stars.

Arthur C. Clarke The Exploration of Space (1951)

Our country – In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right, and always successful, right or wrong.

Stephen Decatur

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

Barbara Ehrenreich

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Vera Brittain (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.