‖ sacro egoismo
(ˈsakro egoˈizmo)
[It., ‘sacred egoism’: see sacred a. 7.]
Nationalism without scruples in relationships with other states. Also transf.
| [1914 A. Salandra in G. Fumagalli Chi I'ha Detto? (1958) 560 Anima sevro..da ogni sentimento che non sia quello della illimitata ed esclusiva devozione alla Patria nostra, del sacro egoismo per I'Italia.] 1944 Zionist Rev. 21 Apr. 6/3 Characteristic of our present attitude is the suggestion that my insistence on ‘using every means for the pursuit of our own aims’, sounds rather like the doctrine of sacro egoismo. 1947 ‘G. Orwell’ Eng. People 15 Power politics, ‘realism’, sacro egoismo and the doctrine that the end justifies the means. 1981 J. Sutherland Bestsellers xi. 126 The adolescent's values..sacro egoismo, refusal to form lasting relationships, machismo. |