"If the truth be told, we are a society that is dripping in racism. This is not in the least surprising. For the best part of two centuries, we British ruled the waves, controlled two-fifths of the planet, and believed it was our responsibility to bring civilisation to those who allegedly lacked it."

Wisdom

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Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Wisdom as articulated by Martin Jacques. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Wisdom provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

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About Martin Jacques

Martin Jacques is a British academic, journalist, political commentator and writer. He first came to prominence as the editor of Marxism Today, which under his leadership from 1977 to 1991 became an influential forum for political debate on the British left. He later co-founded the think tank Demos in 1993 and has written extensively as a columnist for major British newspapers including The Times, The Sunday Times, The Independent, The Observer, The Guardian, and the New Statesman. Jacques is also known internationally for his 2009 book When China Rules the World, in which he argues that China's rise will reshape the global order and end Western hegemony over international affairs.

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More by Martin Jacques

"There may be little practical difference between a Ford Mondeo and a BMW three series, but in terms of perceptions of who you are and what you are, then they are worlds apart."

— Martin Jacques
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"Australia - not western in geography, of course, but in every other respect for sure (it certainly doesn't want to be regarded as Asian, God forbid) - loves nothing more than to throw its weight around in South-East Asia by playing peacekeeper, carrying out its role as the United States' regional policeman."

— Martin Jacques
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"If you are white, racism is too easily ignored and forgiven, regarded as of burning concern only to the ethnic minorities, and therefore of relatively marginal significance."

— Martin Jacques
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"Without doubt, Malaysia is the great economic star of the Muslim world."

— Martin Jacques
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More about Wisdom

"Many times I've sat with a camera and another actor and seen all their fears and insecurities and struggles. You want to support them and help them as much as you can."

— Christopher Eccleston
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"Wisdom principle 69 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 100."

— Paul Lewis Anderson
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"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

— Jo Ann Algermissen
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"Wisdom principle 104 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 78."

— Mary Ellen Bamford
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