“It would be doing me great injustice to think that I have any feeling of indifference to my country; I have more reason than anyone to feel, every day of my life, the value of the blood which flows in my veins, and it is only from prudence that at times I abstain from showing how proud I am of it.”
- November 2, 1755 – October 16, 1793
- From the Duchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire
- Queen
- Influenced fashion and culture, and symbolized the splendor of court life
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Quote
“It would be doing me great injustice to think that I have any feeling of indifference to my country; I have more reason than anyone to feel, every day of my life, the value of the blood which flows in my veins, and it is only from prudence that at times I abstain from showing how proud I am of it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marie Antoinette defends her deep love and loyalty to her homeland, Austria, despite the criticism she often faced for her foreign birth and role as a queen of France. The reference to the “blood which flows in my veins” underscores the strong connection she felt to her Austrian heritage and family, specifically her mother, Maria Theresa, the Empress of Austria. Her statement implies that her identity and pride in her Austrian roots were sources of personal strength, yet her prudence—a sense of caution in displaying her emotions—was driven by the political situation in France. At the time, being a foreign queen was often seen as a source of tension and suspicion, especially as the French Revolution gained momentum and nationalism began to rise.
Historically, this quote highlights the personal struggle Marie Antoinette experienced as a foreign monarch in a country where anti-Austrian sentiments were growing, particularly after the outbreak of the Revolution. She faced accusations of being loyal to Austria over France, and her efforts to keep her pride in her heritage in check were likely motivated by her desire to maintain her position and influence at court. Her statement reflects the delicate balance she had to maintain between her loyalty to her native land and her duty to the French crown.
In modern terms, this quote can resonate with anyone who feels caught between conflicting identities—whether due to national, cultural, or personal affiliations. It speaks to the tension that often exists between individual pride in one’s heritage and the need to adapt or moderate one’s expressions of that pride in certain social or political contexts. The idea of prudence in choosing when to express certain emotions or affiliations is particularly relevant today, where people may feel the need to balance loyalty to their roots with the demands of the societies or positions they inhabit.
