"The true greatness of a nation cannot be in triumphs of the intellect alone. Literature and art may widen the sphere of its influence; they may adorn it; but they are in their nature but accessories. The true grandeur of humanity is in moral elevation, enlightened and decorated by the intellect of man. The truest tokens of this grandeur in a State are the diffusion of the greatest happiness among the greatest number, and that passionless God-like Justice, which controls the relations of the State to other States, and to all the people, who are committed to its charge."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Charles Sumner, "True Grandeur of Nations", oration before the authorities of the City of Boston (4 July 1845)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Countries
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Countries
62 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Countries →
Related Quotes
"He made all countries where he came his own."
"From the lone shielding on the misty island Mountains divide us, and the waste of seas— But still the blood is strong…"
"Nation states are archaic leftovers from when each man feared the tribe over the hill, an attitude we can’t afford an…"
"If your country needs you, you should be right there; that is the way I felt when I was young, and that's the way I f…"
"There ought to be a system of manners in every nation which a well-formed mind would be disposed to relish. To make u…"
"I cannot conceive how any man can have brought himself to that pitch of presumption, to consider his country as nothi…"
"To make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely."
"My dear, my native soil! For whom my warmest wish to Heav'n is sent, Long may thy hardy sons of rustic toil Be blest …"
"If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us."
"Patria est, ubicunque est bene."