Share & Save
Meaning
The quote suggests that a nation feels a special purpose when it is conscious of goals it has not yet achieved. That sense of lack can make people believe their country has a historical role to fulfill. In this view, ambition and dissatisfaction help create national identity.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
Not documented yet.
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed as attributed on Wikiquote, with no source found.
Did You Know?
Not documented yet.
About Eric Hoffer
Eric Hoffer is quoted here; further biographical details are not publicly available.
More from Eric Hoffer (127 quotes) →More quotes by Eric Hoffer
- “There is in most passions a shrinking away from ourselves. The passionate pursuer has all the earmarks of a f…”Eric Hoffer
- “We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.”Eric Hoffer
- “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.”Eric Hoffer
- “When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.”Eric Hoffer
Reflections: more sayings
- “I would like a countrywide retreat but am not sure whether I'll get a countrywide retreat in the future but I…”Maisie Peters
- “It sounds odd coming from me, but I realize what I say and how I look has a great impact.”Ayumi Hamasaki
- “I felt like a misfit at school, and I think that's quite common.”Clare Balding