“The English have taught us that we were not one nation before and that it will require centuries before we become one nation. This is without foundation. We were one nation before they came to India. One thought inspired us. Our mode of life was the same. It was because we were one nation that they were able to establish one kingdom. Subsequently they divided us.”
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Source: Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule, 1909), arguing India was one nation before British rule.
About this quote
A shared way of life can bind people together long before anyone gives it a name, and outside powers often gain control precisely by convincing the divided that they were never united. Seeing through a manufactured split is the first step toward refusing it.
When to use it
- Rival departments realize a manager kept them fighting so neither would question his decisions.
- Siblings who bickered for years see that a relative quietly stoked it to stay the family's favorite.
- Two unions discover an employer spread rumors between them to block a joint demand.