“Merit is no qualification for freedom.”

"Letter to the Editor" The Times (22 July 1920) http://www.telstudies.org/writings/letters/1919-20/200722_the_times.shtml
Context: Whether they are fit for independence or not remains to be tried. Merit is no qualification for freedom. Bulgars, Afghans, and Tahitans have it. Freedom is enjoyed when you are so well armed, or so turbulent, or inhabit a country so thorny that the expense of your neighbour's occupying you is greater than the profit.

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Do you have more details about the quote "Merit is no qualification for freedom." by T. E. Lawrence?
T. E. Lawrence photo
T. E. Lawrence 33
British archaeologist, military officer, and diplomat 1888–1935

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