Ambrose Bierce Quote - Patriotism. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.

Cautionary Quotes

Patriotism. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.

"Patriotism. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name."

— Ambrose Bierce

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Author: Ambrose Bierce
Category: Cautionary
Tags: Cautionary Critical Manipulation Patriotism Power

Meaning of this quote

The satire warns that leaders can exploit patriotic feeling for personal glory.

Key takeaway: Examine who benefits from an appeal to national loyalty.

Origin of the quote

The Devil’s Dictionary.

Who actually said this?

Verified

Matched in Bierce’s satirical dictionary; dictionary labels and punctuation may be omitted in the supplied title. These are satirical definitions, not neutral factual definitions.

Attributed author: Ambrose Bierce

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