“We are Englishmen; that is one good fact.”
- April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658
- English
- Military and Political Leader, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland
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Quote
“We are Englishmen; that is one good fact.”
Explanation
This quote is a statement of national identity and unity, asserting that being English carries inherent value and shared purpose. Cromwell emphasizes a common bond—nationality—as a foundational truth amid political or religious turmoil. The phrase strips away divisions to focus on a unifying identity, suggesting that despite differing views or loyalties, being English is a starting point for mutual understanding and action.
Cromwell uttered this during a period when England was deeply fractured by civil war, class conflict, and theological disputes. He often appealed to a collective Englishness to rally support or soften divisions, particularly when trying to govern a deeply divided Parliament or engage with Scottish and Irish counterparts. In doing so, he used national identity as a political anchor, implying that whatever disagreements existed, there remained a shared heritage and destiny.
In modern times, this quote reflects the broader idea of common citizenship as a basis for unity, especially in polarized societies. Whether in debates over politics, race, or ideology, appeals to a shared identity—national, cultural, or civic—can help remind people of what connects them rather than what divides them. Cromwell’s line, though simple, carries enduring weight: before faction and belief, there is a bond of belonging.
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