Politically speaking, tribal nationalism [patriotism] always insists that its own people are surrounded by 'a world of enemies' - 'one against all' - and that a fundamental difference exists between this people and all others. It claims its people to be unique, individual, incompatible with all others, and denies theoretically the very possibility of a common mankind long before it is used to destroy the humanity of man.
Hannah ArendtIf the world is to contain a public space, it cannot be erected for one generation and planned for the living only; it must transcend the life-span of mortal menโฆ. There is perhaps no clearer testimony to the loss of the public realm in the modern age than the almost complete loss of authentic concern with immortality, a loss somewhat overshadowed by the simultaneous loss of the metaphysical concern with eternity.
Hannah ArendtThey must remember that they are constantly on the run, and that the world's reality is actually expressed by their escape.
Hannah ArendtTruthfulness has never been counted among the political virtues, and lies have always been regarded as justifiable tools in political dealings.
Hannah ArendtMan cannot be free if he does not know that he is subject to necessity, because his freedom is always won in his never wholly successful attempts to liberate himself from necessity.
Hannah Arendt