Who said “Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to…”?

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Denis Diderot. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceObservations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

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“Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.”
— Denis Diderot
VerifiedObservations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774) · evidencePatriotism

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774).

APA

Diderot, D. (n.d.). Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32046-patriotism-is-an-ephemeral-motive-that-scarcely-ever/

MLA

Diderot, Denis. “Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32046-patriotism-is-an-ephemeral-motive-that-scarcely-ever/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Diderot, Denis. “Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32046-patriotism-is-an-ephemeral-motive-that-scarcely-ever/.

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“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
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VerifiedLast words before being hanged by the British as a spy, (September 22, 1776), according to the account by William Hull based on reports by British Captain John Montresor who was present and who spoke to Hull under a flag of truce the next day · evidenceDetails & citePatriotism

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