Single Idea 23828

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 14. Nationalism]

Full Idea

What is called national prestige consists in behaving always in such a way as to demoralise other nations by giving them the impression that, if it comes to war, one would certainly defeat them.

Gist of Idea

National prestige consists of behaving as if you could beat the others in a war

Source

Simone Weil (The Power of Words [1934], p.244)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.244


A Reaction

It's true. No nation gains prestige because of the happy lives of its citizens, or the creativity of its culture.