Friedrich Durrenmatt Quotes

Let us abandon this narrow conception of patriotism, which consists of the doctrine, "My country right or wrong." There is a nobler doctrine, ... "My country must always be right.

Patriotism must be founded on great principals and supported by great virtue.

Unless our conception of patriotism is progressive, it cannot hope to embody the real affection and real interest of the nation.

Patriotism is a noble feeling insofar as it approaches that which is purely human, but the very reverse the further it is removed therefrom.

Let us exalt patriotism and moderate our party contentions. Let those who would die for the flag on the field of battle give a better proof of their patriotism and a higher glory to their country by promoting fraternity and justice.

Patriotism has no appeal to us; justice has. Party has no weight with us; principle has. Loyalty is meaningless; it depends on what one is loyal to.

We don't need to be politically correct. We need to be morally right.

Morality is the thing upon which your friends smile, and immorality is the thing upon which they frown

There can be no high civility without a deep morality, though it may not always call itself by that name.

Morality represents for everybody a thoroughly definite and ascertained idea: the idea of human conduct regulated in a certain manner.

We need a type of patriotism that recognizes the virtues of those who are opposed to us.

Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced.

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.

I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.

Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge the government when it's wrong.

Patriotism is best exemplified through auto-critique.

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.

Patriotism without criticism has no head; criticism without patriotism has no heart..

The resources of Patriotism are inexhaustible.

Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced. But I am sorry to say that of late it has been so much hackneyed about that it is in danger of falling into disgrace. The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes.

Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President or any other public official.

I love my country too much to be a nationalist.

Patriotism is seen not only the last refuge of the scoundrel bus as the first bolt-hole of the hypocrite.

Though I love my country I do not love my countrymen.

My country, right or wrong," is a thing that no patriot would think of saying, except in a desperate case. It is like saying, "My mother, drunk or sober.