"That public virtue, which among the ancients was denominated patriotism, is derived from a strong sense of our own interest, in the preservation and prosperity of the free government of which we are members. Such a sentiment, which had rendered the legions of the republic almost invincible, could make but a very feeble impression on the mercenary servants of a despotic prince; and it became necessary to supply that defect by other motives, of a different, but not less forcible nature; honour and religion."
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Original Language: English
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Sources
Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume the First (1776), p. 10
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Patriotism
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Patriotism
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