what is a patriotism essay

Essay on Patriotism for Students and Children

500+ words essay on patriotism.

Essay on Patriotism: Patriotism refers to the passionate love one has for their country. This virtue pushes to citizens of a country to work for their country selflessly and make it better. A truly developed country is made up of true patriots. In other words, patriotism means keeping the country’s interest first and then thinking about oneself. Patriotism can be specifically seen during times of war. Moreover, it helps in building the nation stronger. There are other significances of patriotism as well.

Significance of Patriotism

Usually, we refer to our country as our motherland. This further proves that we must have the same love for our country as we have for our mother. After all, our country is no less than a mother; it nurtures us and helps us grow. Everyone must possess the virtue of patriotism as it makes it better.

In addition, it also enhances the life quality of the citizens . It does that by making people work for the collective interest of the country. When everyone works for the betterment of the country, there would be no conflict of interest. Thus, a happier environment will prevail.

After that, peace and harmony will be maintained through patriotism. When the citizens have the spirit of brotherhood, they will support one another. Hence, it will make the country more harmonious.

In short, patriotism does have great importance in developing the country. It eliminates any selfish and harmful motives which in turn lessens corruption. Similarly, when the government becomes free of corruption , the country will develop faster.

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Great Patriots of India

India has had a fair share of patriots from the very beginning. The struggle for independence gave birth to various patriots. These patriots have made a lot of sacrifices for the county to flourish and prosper. Their names have gone down in history and are still taken with respect and admiration. Some of the greatest patriots of India were Rani Lakshmi Bai, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, and Maulana Azad.

Rani Lakshmi Bai was one of the most famous patriots of the country. Her courage and bravery are still talked about. Her name always comes up in the revolt of 1857. She revolted against the British rule and to fight for independence. She gave her life fighting on the battlefield for our country.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh is another name that is synonymous with patriotism. He was determined to free India from the clutches of the British rule. He was a part of several freedom struggles. Similarly, he also started a revolution for the same. He dedicated his life to this mission and died as a martyr for the love of his country.

Maulana Azad was a true patriot. The first education minister of India played a great role in the freedom struggle. He traveled through cities and created awareness of the injustices by the British. He united people through his activism and led India to freedom.

In conclusion, these are just a few who were patriots of the country. They lived for their country and did not hesitate before devoting their lives to it. These names are shining examples for the generations to come. We must possess patriotism and work for our motherland to see it succeed.

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• Patriotism Essay

Essay on Patriotism

Patriotism is more than just a word; it's a feeling that resides deep within the hearts of individuals who share a common bond with their country. In simple terms, patriotism is the love and devotion one has for their homeland. This essay explores the essence of patriotism, its significance in our daily lives, and how it contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of a nation.

Defining Patriotism

At its core, patriotism is about love and loyalty to one's country. It's the recognition of the values, culture, and shared history that bind people together. This sentiment is not limited to grand gestures or extraordinary acts; it often finds expression in simple, everyday actions that collectively contribute to the betterment of society.

Love for the Land

Patriotism begins with a genuine love for the land one calls home. It's about appreciating the natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and resources that make a country unique. Whether it's the rolling hills, expansive plains, or the sparkling waters that surround us, patriotism involves recognizing and cherishing the inherent beauty of our homeland.

Cultural Identity

A strong sense of patriotism is closely tied to cultural identity. It's the pride in the traditions, languages, and customs that have been passed down through generations. Embracing and celebrating cultural diversity fosters a sense of unity, enriching the fabric of the nation with a tapestry of different backgrounds and experiences.

Shared History

Patriotism is also rooted in a shared history that forms the foundation of a nation. Understanding the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by previous generations fosters a sense of continuity and responsibility. By acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who came before us, we honor their legacy and contribute to the ongoing narrative of our country.

Individual Responsibility and Civic Duty

One of the essential aspects of patriotism is the recognition of individual responsibility and civic duty. It's not just about enjoying the benefits of living in a particular country; it's about actively participating in its growth and development. This can range from voting in elections to volunteering in local communities, each act contributing to the collective well-being of the nation.

Patriotism in Daily Life

While grand displays of patriotism, such as national celebrations and parades, are noteworthy, it is in the small, everyday actions that the true essence of patriotism is often found. Acts of kindness, respect for fellow citizens, and a commitment to upholding shared values are all expressions of patriotism in daily life.

Respecting Differences

A patriotic individual understands the importance of unity in diversity. Respecting the differences among fellow citizens, whether they be cultural, religious, or ideological, is a testament to a mature and inclusive patriotism. It involves fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted, contributing to a stronger and more harmonious society.

Environmental Stewardship

Caring for the environment is another manifestation of patriotism. Recognizing that the health of the land directly impacts the well-being of its inhabitants, a patriotic person takes measures to protect and preserve natural resources. This can involve sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and a commitment to reducing one's ecological footprint.

Education and Knowledge

Promoting education and knowledge is a patriotic act that invests in the future of a nation. By valuing learning, supporting educational initiatives, and encouraging intellectual curiosity, individuals contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and skilled population. A well-educated society is better equipped to face challenges and drive innovation, ensuring the continued progress of the nation.

Economic Contribution

Contributing to the economic prosperity of the country is an integral part of patriotism. This involves not only being a responsible consumer but also actively participating in the workforce. Whether through entrepreneurship, hard work, or innovation, individuals play a crucial role in building a robust and thriving economy that benefits everyone.

National Pride and Unity

Patriotism fosters a sense of national pride and unity. This pride extends beyond individual accomplishments to a collective celebration of the achievements of the entire nation. It's about recognizing and highlighting what makes the country unique and exceptional, fostering a shared sense of identity that transcends individual differences.

Challenges and Criticisms

While patriotism is generally seen as a positive force, it is essential to acknowledge that blind nationalism and exclusionary practices can emerge if taken to extremes. A healthy patriotism embraces diversity and encourages open dialogue, recognizing that different perspectives contribute to the strength and resilience of a nation.

Patriotism: A Historical Perspective

An essay on patriotism seems incomplete without delving into the historical context, particularly the role of freedom fighters. They are the heroes of times when the quest for freedom ignited the spirits of individuals who sought independence in economic, social, political, and cultural aspects.

India's Patriots

The history of India’s freedom struggle shines through the immortal courage of heroic personalities like Veer Damodar Savarkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and many more. These great patriots fought for the country and against the atrocities perpetrated on the countrymen.

Singing slogans of ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, ‘Jay Hind’, these patriots went to the cross for the country with a smile on their faces and pride in their hearts. A very inspiring quote by Swami Vivekanand, says, “Do you love the country? Then, come, let us struggle for higher and better things; look not back, no, not even if you see the dearest and nearest cry. Look no back, but forward!”

The gist of Swami Vivekanand’s thought is that when you have started your journey on the path of the country’s welfare, then there must not be any looking back. All you need is to create a list of the priority things that you want to do for your country. Once you accomplish one thing just move ahead with the next one. The slogans like Jai Hind or Bharat Mata ki Jai work as your motivation on the path of doing something for the country. So, are you prepared to do something special for the nation?

Patriotism in Different Roles

People express their patriotism in different ways and in different roles. Soldiers, scientists, doctors, politicians, and other citizens express their patriotism through their hard work in their profession.

Indian soldiers are role models for the youth of India. Highly scrupulous, positively secular, completely apolitical, with an ethos of working hard, simple needs and frugal habits, a soldier is the epitome of courage and unflinching devotion to the country.

Mangalyaan or Mars Orbiter Mission is one of the best examples of scientists' devotion toward the country. In the pandemic situation, the hardship of doctors and nurses proves their devotion towards their country.

Patriotism does not always mean that you have to sacrifice your life for your country; contributing good service towards the country and its people is also equivalent to your sacrifice.

Mathunny Mathews has set a great example of patriotism. Mathews was an Indian, a resident in Kuwait, and was one of the people credited with the safe airlift evacuation of about 1, 70,000 Indians from Kuwait during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Only celebrating the flag hoisting ceremony on 15th August and 26th January, posing for photos with the flag, and posting on social media doesn’t imply that you are a true patriot. A real patriot is a person who has a true love for his country. He fights against the atrocities upon his countrymen by insiders or outsiders of the country.

Patriotism by Freedom Fighters

An essay on patriotism seems incomplete without the mention of freedom fighters. They are the heroes of the times when we all wanted to get freedom. We all need freedom in economic, social, political, and cultural aspects. These were the people who did not give a second thought before offering complete sacrifice to stay in a free country.

Patriotism is a simple yet profound celebration of love for our country. It encompasses a range of sentiments, from appreciation of the land and culture to a commitment to individual responsibility and civic duty. Patriotism is not a static concept; it evolves as societies grow and change. By embodying the principles of patriotism in our daily lives, we contribute to the collective well-being of our nation, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. In the end, patriotism is about recognizing the beauty in our shared journey and working together to build a stronger, more united society. Explore the meaning of patriotism, its significance, and the diverse ways in which people express their love for their country. Learn about the role of patriotism in the lives of individuals, from freedom fighters to modern-day citizens, and understand how it contributes to the development of a nation.

FAQs on Patriotism Essay

1. How is patriotism important for a country?

Patriotism helps in promoting brotherhood and belongingness among the citizens of a country. Corruption takes a back seat when the feeling of fraternity exists among the citizens. Also, the love for one’s country creates a feeling of responsibility towards the countrymen and brings forth the best of their services, in various fields.

For example, when an IAS officer is a true patriot at heart, he will ensure that there is no corruption in his immediate system and best efforts are being delivered by his team. Similarly, doctors, soldiers, scientists, and people from every walk of life put their best efforts into serving their countrymen, when they have patriotism deep down in their hearts.

2. What are the important points to be written in an essay on patriotism?

The following outlines will help you write an essay on patriotism in your own words.

What is the meaning of patriotism in simple words?

How is patriotism different from nationalism?

Who were the great patriots of India?

Role of patriotic personalities in India’s freedom struggle.

Showcasing patriotism on Independence Day and Republic Day through social media posts is not always a sign of true patriotism.

How does patriotism play a role in the development of a nation?

These are the basic points for this essay topic, and you may add more examples of patriotic personalities and emphasize the role of patriotism in safeguarding the interests of a nation, in your essay, depending upon the required word count.

3. How can I express my patriotism?

There are many ways to express your patriotism. Some common examples include:

Participating in civic duties, such as voting and volunteering.

Obeying the law and respecting the national symbols.

Educating yourself about your country's history and culture.

Supporting your country's athletes and teams in international competitions.

Contributing to social causes and community development efforts.

4. Is patriotism the same as nationalism?

No, patriotism and nationalism are not the same. Patriotism is a positive feeling of love and pride for one's country, while nationalism can be a more extreme and exclusionary ideology that emphasizes the superiority of one's own nation over others.

5. Can patriotism be dangerous?

Yes, patriotism can be dangerous if it is used to justify harmful actions, such as discrimination against other countries or groups of people. It is important to remember that patriotism should be combined with other values, such as tolerance, respect for human rights, and a commitment to international cooperation.

6. What are some good examples of patriotism in history?

There are many examples of people who have expressed patriotism in positive ways throughout history. Some famous examples include:

Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for civil rights in the United States.

Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent resistance to British rule in India.

Nelson Mandela's fight against apartheid in South Africa.

The volunteers who helped rebuild communities after natural disasters.

7. What are some common arguments against patriotism?

Some people argue that patriotism is outdated, irrelevant, or even harmful. Some common arguments against patriotism include:

It can be used to justify war and violence.

It can lead to blind obedience and a lack of critical thinking.

It can be used to exclude and discriminate against minority groups.

It can be a form of tribalism that creates divisions between people.

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What Is Patriotism Essay? – Definitions, Topics, Examples

Do you want to write a patriotism essay and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry about it too much! We are here to help you write the best patriotism essay possible in the shortest amount of time. We will explain the concept of patriotism and clarify why it is essential, discuss patriotism essay examples, and then provide you with some topics. Some tips and tricks are included and the end of the blog post. They should make it much easier to write a patriotic essay.

What Is Patriotism Essay?

Why is patriotism important is it the same as nationalism, good patriotism examples make for good essays, patriotism essay list of 68 topics, get our patriotism essay examples, the importance of patriotic essay examples, tips for the best essay on patriotism.

The first thing we want to discuss is the definition of the patriotism essay. What is patriotism essay? Defining patriotism is a very difficult thing to do. Some would tell you that it is the love and devotion one feels for their country. Others would tell you that it is just a set of principles. And then there are others who consider patriotism to be just a special feeling. You will need to know all these definitions if you want to write a patriotism definition essay. However, in most cases, you will be required to write an essay on patriotism, not on its definition. That means you will have to decide what patriotism means specifically to you. It will influence the way you write the academic paper, of course. However, no approach is wrong, simply because patriotism has different meanings to different people. That applies to everything from a speech on patriotism to patriotism in a sentence prompt.

In some cases, you may be required to write a ”what does patriotism mean to me essay.” That is a bit more complicated because you need to understand why patriotism is important. It also means you have to know the differences between it and nationalism. Be aware that nationalism is not simply the love for the people who live in a country. And patriotism is not the love for the country. The reality is that patriotism is a moral principle, a feeling, or a level of loyalty to the country. On the other hand, nationalism is a political ideology that protects the interests of everything a nation stands for: people, language, traditions, industry, etc.

When writing an article on patriotism, it is important to realize that the patriotism essay ideas you come up with are very important. You want a topic that is both interesting and original. You want something you can write about, so make sure the topic you choose has plenty of information about it online. However, make sure to narrow down the topic – unless you want to write a short novel on it. You can find plenty of examples of American patriotism all over the Internet, so you have a lot of topics to choose from. Ensure the topic is something your classmates didn’t think about. You can read some patriotism essay examples to get an idea of how experienced writers organize their writing and their ideas. Don’t hesitate to look at the winners of a patriotism essay contest. You’ll find a lot of neat ideas. And you also learn how a proper patriotism essay is written.

We have answered the “why is patriotism important” question and helped you pick the right topic. But we are prepared to do much more. We have asked our experienced patriotism essay writers to compile a list of topics for our readers. Patriotism is a broad concept, and there are many standpoints that you can perceive it. If you want to write a patriotism essay or you need patriotism ideas, here are some topics that you can write about:

• What is true patriotism?
• Do Americans still practice true patriotism?
• Can patriotism be related to extremism?
• American heroes and their patriotic acts.
• The uniqueness of American patriotism
• How is American patriotism different from that of other countries?
• Does patriotism change the way we treat foreigners?
• How did American patriotism start?
• How to reach patriotism to children and teenagers
• Movies that portray patriotism
• How music has helped to explain the concept of patriotism.
• Is dissent the highest form of patriotism?
• Dying for your country: patriotism or suicide?
• What does patriotism mean to you?
• How does patriotism affect our relationship with people from other countries?
• Difference between patriotism and nationalism
• President John F. Kennedy’s We Choose To Go To The Moon speech and how it portrays patriotism.
• The true definition of patriotism
• How the entertainment industry teaches true patriotism.
• What is blind patriotism?
• Are patriots racists?
• Is the patriotism level in the country declining or increasing?
• Patriotism 100 years ago and now: what has changed?
• What role does patriotism play in genocide?
• How is patriotism reflected in our day-to-day lives?
• How did patriotism help to galvanize World War I?
• Xenophobia is an act of patriotism, true or false?
• The difference between patriotism and cosmopolitanism
• How does patriotism influence the kind of products we use?
• Do people consider patriotism when choosing the kind of car to buy?
• Rock n Roll and patriotism
• Patriotic acts that people need to emulate
• Breaking the law in the name of patriotism: can that be regarded as patriotism?
• Misconceptions about patriotism
• How the government and other people have exploited patriotism for their selfish use
• Is patriotism taught in school?
• Why patriotism should or should not be taught in schools
• Is American patriotism the same as blind patriotism?
• Is terrorism also a form of patriotism?
• How to encourage people to be more patriotic
• Is patriotism important? Why?
• What are the benefits of patriotism?
• How is patriotism portrayed in literary works?
• What is/are the correlation(s) between patriotism and colonialism?
• What is/are the correlation(s) between patriotism and nationalism?
• Patriotism and realism: How to connect one with another
• Are there limits to what you should do as a true patriot?
• What is the meaning of overwhelming patriotism?
• How to pursue your American dream as a patriot
• The national anthem and the national pledge and how it helps you to be more patriotic
• Examples of patriotism during the American Revolution.
• Compare and contrast patriotism and xenophobia.
• Are conscientious objectors traitors?
• What patriotism means to me?
• The worst case of ethnic chauvinism.
• What does true patriotism mean?
• Patriotism still matters in the modern world. (excellent pride in one’s country essay topic)
• The difference between patriotism and nationalism.
• Teens and patriotism today.
• The importance of Independence Day.
• Why are we proud of our patriots?
• Veterans and their tales of patriotism.
• Is patriotism a good thing?
• What is national chauvinism?
• Discussing the pledge of allegiance in schools.
• Patriotism is an excuse for war.
• Is patriotism stronger than the love for family?
• Avoiding western chauvinism and learning from our mistakes.

These topics are excellent starting points for any high school or college student. Remember that finding amazing patriotism examples is important — the more interesting the tale, the better the essay. There are many ways to state your ideas and express your views about patriotism in essays by presenting facts and deducing a conclusion.

A group of people can pick a topic from different patriotism essay ideas and write entirely different essays. There are different ways patriotic essays can be written. It all depends on how the writer views the topic.

If the essay is a narrative essay like the President John F. Kennedy’s ‘We Choose To go To the Moon speech;’

• Narrate every bit of the event. Paint a mental picture of the event so that the reader can understand the history of the essay.
• After narrating the event, draw out parts of the story that relate to patriotism.
• One after the other, explain how these parts that you have drawn relate to patriotism.

When you are writing a patriotic essay that expresses your viewpoint on an issue, the writing style will be different. In essays like “Is American patriotism the same as blind patriotism?” you are expected to present the essay in a detailed and logical manner. You can do that by using the guide below:

• Introduce the essay by explaining the topic. In the example above, you will explain American patriotism and blind patriotism.
• After the introduction, you will present facts to explain both American and blind patriotism.
• Provide correlation(s) between the facts that you have presented.
• End the essay by stating your viewpoint about the subject matter.

There are patriotism essays ideas that require you to take sides on an issue. “Does patriotism change the way we treat foreigners?” is an example of a patriotic essay that needs you to pick aside. To write a similar or more convincing patriotic essay;

• State facts and do not come from an emotional place.
• Be clear on where you stand from the beginning.
• Present your facts that support your stand on the argument.

If you want to write a patriotic essay to persuade people to do something, this is where you apply your emotions. Applying your emotions helps others to relate better and get interested in the message you’re trying to pass.

• Give reasons why you are writing the essay.
• Explain the personal and collective benefits of the essay topic.

Did you know that the best way to learn how to write an amazing patriotism essay is to read the best patriotic essay examples you can find? The truth is that you can learn most of the things simply by carefully reading works written by seasoned writers. You will quickly understand the concepts of patriotism and will also get the chance to see how a good patriotism essay is structured. Don’t miss the chance to write down all the ideas you deem important. Bottom line, you can read an excellent essay on what makes America great, and then replicate its structure and ideas in your own writing. However, make sure you avoid plagiarism.

• The first tip , we can give you is to choose the best topic possible. For example, why not write a ‘dissent is the highest form of patriotism’ essay?
• Second , don’t forget to list the values of patriotism in the intro. Each paragraph of the essay body should discuss and support a single idea. The conclusion is used to sum everything up, and further support your position.
• Third , don’t forget to make effective use of the five-paragraph essay structure (intro, three body paragraphs, conclusion).
• The last tip , and perhaps the most important one is to get help when you need it.

There are many seasoned academic writers who know exactly how to write an amazing patriotic essay, master’s thesis , or any other paper you might possibly need. Don’t hesitate to get help, especially if you are running out of time!

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What Is Patriotism? Definition, Examples, Pros and Cons

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Simply stated, patriotism is the feeling of love for one’s country. Demonstrating patriotism—being “patriotic”—is one of the necessities of being the stereotypical “ good citizen .” However, patriotism, like many well-intentioned things, can be harmful when taken to an extreme .

Key Takeaways

• Patriotism is the feeling and expression of love for one’s home country, along with a feeling of unity with those who share those feelings
• Though it shares patriotism’s love of country, nationalism is the belief that one’s home county is superior to all others
• While considered a necessary attribute of good citizenship, when patriotism becomes politically mandatory, it can cross a line

Patriotism Definition

Along with love, patriotism is the feeling of pride, devotion, and attachment to a homeland, as well as a feeling of attachment to other patriotic citizens. The feelings of attachment may be further bound up in factors like race or ethnicity , culture, religious beliefs, or history.

Historic Perspective

Patriotism originated some 2,000 years before the rise of nationalism in the 19th century. Greek and especially Roman antiquity provide the roots for a philosophy of political patriotism that conceives of loyalty to the “patria,”—the power that the male head of a family exercised over his children—like loyalty to a political conception of the republic. It is associated with the love of law and common liberty, the search for the common good , and the duty to behave justly toward one’s country. The Roman meaning of patria is repeated in the context of the Italian city-states of the 15th century, such as Naples and Venice, as representing the common liberty of the city, which can only be safeguarded by the citizens’ civic spirit.

To Renaissance period Italian diplomat, author, philosopher, and historian Niccolò Machiavelli , the love of common liberty enabled citizens to see their private and particular interests as part of the common good and helped them to resist corruption and tyranny. While this love of the city is typically intermixed with pride in its military strength and cultural superiority, it is the political institutions and way of life of the city that form the distinctive focal point of this kind of patriotic attachment. To love the city is to be willing to sacrifice one’s own good—including one’s life—for the protection of common liberty.

While patriotism is evident throughout history, it was not always considered a civic virtue. In 18th-century Europe, for example, devotion to the state was considered a betrayal of devotion to the church.   

Other 18th-century scholars also found fault with what they considered excessive patriotism. In 1775, Samuel Johnson , whose 1774 essay The Patriot had criticized those who falsely claimed devotion to Britain, famously called patriotism “the last refuge of the scoundrel.”

Arguably, America’s first patriots were its Founding Fathers who had risked their very lives to create a nation that reflected their visions of freedom with equality. They summarized this vision in The Declaration of Independence :

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In that single sentence, the Founders dispelled the long-held belief of the ruling British Monarchy that an individual’s pursuit of personal happiness was nothing more than a disloyal act of self-indulgence. Instead, they acknowledged that the right of each citizen to pursue personal fulfillment was essential to the qualities, such as ambition and creativity, that would fuel the nation’s economy. As a result, the pursuit of happiness became and remains the force behind America’s entrepreneurial system of free-market capitalism .  

The Declaration of Independence further states, “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” In this phrase, the Founding Fathers rejected the autocratic rule of monarchs and confirmed the revolutionary principle of “government of the people, by the people” as the basis of American democracy and the reason the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We the People.”

Examples of Patriotism

There are countless ways of showing patriotism. Standing for the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are obvious ones. Perhaps more importantly, many of the most beneficial acts of patriotism in the U.S. are those that both celebrate the country and make it stronger. A few of these include:

• Participating in the representative democracy by registering to vote and voting in elections .
• Volunteering for community service or running for elected government office.
• Serving on juries.
• Obeying all laws and paying taxes.
• Understanding the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities contained in the U.S. Constitution.

Patriotism vs. Nationalism

While the words patriotism and nationalism were once considered synonyms, they have taken on different connotations. While both are the feelings of love people feel for their country, the values upon which those feelings are based are very different.

Feelings of patriotism are based on the positive values the country embraces—like freedom, justice, and equality. The patriot believes that both the system of government and the people of their country are inherently good and work together for a better quality of life.

In contrast, feelings of nationalism are based on a belief that one’s country is superior to all others. It also carries a connotation of distrust or disapproval of other countries, leading to the assumption that other countries are rivals. While patriots do not automatically denigrate other countries, nationalists do, sometimes to the point of calling for their country’s global dominance. Nationalism, through its protectionist beliefs, is the polar opposite of globalism .

Historically, the effects of nationalism have been both positive and negative. While it has driven independence movements, like the Zionist movement that created modern Israel, it was also a key factor in the rise of the German Nazi Party , and the Holocaust . 

Patriotism versus nationalism arose as a political issue when U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron verbally sparred over the meaning of the terms.

At a rally on October 23, 2018, President Trump defended his populist “Make America Great Again” platform and protectionist policies of tariffs on foreign imports, officially declaring himself a “nationalist":

“A globalist is a person that wants the globe to do well, frankly, not caring about our country so much,” he said. “And you know what? We can't have that. You know, they have a word. It sort of became old-fashioned. It's called a nationalist. And I say, really, we’re not supposed to use that word. You know what I am? I’m a nationalist, OK? I’m a nationalist.”

President Macron, speaking at the 100th Armistice Day ceremony in Paris on November 11, 2018, offered a different meaning of nationalism. He defined nationalism as “putting our nation first, and not caring about the others.” By rejecting the interests of other countries, Macon asserted, “we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what makes it great and what is essential, its moral values.”

Pros and Cons of Patriotism

Few countries survive and prosper without some degree of patriotic feelings among their people. A love of country and shared pride bring the people together, helping them endure challenges. Without shared patriotic beliefs, colonial Americans may not have chosen to travel the road to independence from England. More recently, patriotism brought the American people together to overcome the Great Depression and achieve victory in World War II .

The potential downside of patriotism is that if it becomes a mandatory political doctrine, it can be used to turn groups of people against each other and can even lead the country to reject its fundamental values.

A few examples from United States history include:

As early as 1798, extreme patriotism, spurred by fears a war with France, led Congress to enact the Alien and Sedition Acts allowing the jailing of certain U.S. immigrants without due process of law and restricting the First Amendment freedoms of speech and the press .

In 1919, early fears of Communism triggered the Palmer raids resulting in the arrest and immediate deportation without trial of more than 10,000 German- and Russian-American immigrants.

After the December 7, 1941, Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor , the Franklin Roosevelt administration ordered some 127,000 American citizens of Japanese ancestry imprisoned in internment camps for the duration of World War II.

During the Red Scare of the early 1950s, the McCarthy era saw thousands of Americans accused without evidence by the government of being communists or communist sympathizers. After a series of so-called “investigations” conducted by Senator Joseph McCarthy, hundreds of those accused were ostracized and prosecuted for their political beliefs.

• Johnson, Samuel (1774). “ The Patriot .” SamuelJohnson.com
• “ Nationalism .” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Plato.stanford.edu
• Boswell, James, Hibbert, “The Life of Samuel Johnson.” Penguin Classics, ISBN 0-14-043116-0
• Diamond, Jeremy. “ Trump embraces 'nationalist' title at Texas rally .” CNN (October 23, 2018)
• Liptak. Kevin. “ Macron rebukes nationalism as Trump observes Armistice Day. ” CNN (November 12, 2018)
• What Is Nationalism? Definition and Examples
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104 Patriotism Essay Ideas & Examples

Welcome to our list of patriotism essay ideas! Choose among positive and negative topics on patriotism and make sure to check out our patriotism essay examples.

🔝 Top 10 Patriotism Essay Ideas to Write about

🏆 best patriotism topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting patriotism topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about patriotism, ❓ questions related to patriotism.

• Patriotism and Global Citizenship
• Traditional and Popular Patriotic Songs
• Patriotism, Diversity, and Multiculturalism
• Social Media’s Effect on National Sentiment
• What Happens to Patriotism in Times of Crisis?
• Does Patriotism Foster Civic Engagement?
• The Line Between Patriotism and Nationalism
• The Role of Literature, Music, and Art in Nation-Building
• What’s the Connection Between Patriotism and Identity?
• National Flags and Anthems as Expressions of Patriotism
• Roman Patriotism in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” The gladiator Maximus, and the general in one person, embodies the greatest Roman patriotism, in the name of which he sacrifices his wife and son, loses his liberty and wastes his precious life.
• Patriotism in the Modern World and Its Categories The other category is constructive or critical patriotism which is the belief that the best way to love one’s country is with constructive criticism of the government The constructive or critical patriotism leads me to […]
• Loyalty Imagery in “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima This highlights the theme of loyalty, as the soldiers are ready to obey orders well aware of the dangers involved. The author continues to explore the symbol of compliance and selflessness by explicating how soldiers […]
• “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima Literature Analysis Nevertheless, the use of imagery to underscore the theme of devotion comes out clearly, as the story unfolds. In this case, the education edict comes out as an image, a controversial image for the author […]
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• Summary of the Movie “Patriot” by Roland Emmerich Therefore, the paper aims to summarize the plot and the characters of the film “Patriot” in the framework of those historical events.
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• The U.S. Patriot Act and Controversy The key components of the USA PATRIOT Act are characterized by a crosscutting reduction in the restrictions imposed on law enforcement entities curtailing their domain of influence in carrying out telephone, e-mail communication, medical and […]
• A Critical Review of Nancy Ward: American Patriot or Cherokee Nationalist The article states that Nancy Ward’s actions come from her understanding of changes that Cherokee had to face, and her will to adapt to the changes rather than commit to American Patriotism or Cherokee nationalism.
• “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima They worship photos of their “Imperial Majesties,” and each offers total allegiance to their respective gods: Shinji to the army, and Reiko to Shinji.
• Blame Them if You Are a True Patriot If a citizen of any country speaks against the policies or actions of the country, especially when the nation is engaged in war, it appears to others as treason because it is assumed that the […]
• “The Patriot” by Roland Emmerich Other aspects of social life, such as the number of children Ben had, the idea that the mother had died at a young age, the presence of black people working as servants and slaves, and […]
• The Problem of Patriotism Analysis Thus, the era of social revolutions in Russian and their attempts in Europe was characterized by a critique of patriotism as it was defined in the liberal tradition.
• Philosophy: Is Patriotism a Virtue? Hence, in the above context, patriotism is the feeling that arises from the concerns of the safety of the people of a nation.
• The Phenomenon of Patriotism in the Context of the U.S. War of Independence It is important to consider the phenomenon of patriotism in the context of the US War of Independence. Exploring the reasons for the victory of the American revolution, which led to the formation of the […]
• Adolf Hitler: From Patriotism to Racism He was also forced to live and work in the city and it is was the cultural and social shock that he experienced as he transferred from the rural to the urban that changed the […]
• Poems comparing: Country Lovers and What It’s like to be a Black Girl In the poem, What it’s like to be a Black Girl, Smith explores the issue of racism in a jagged society.
• Comparison and Contrasting: Country Lovers and Child of the Americas For instance, the first paragraph gives the picture of the environment or the setting of the story as a farm, which harbors two races blacks and whites.
• Fake Democracy and Patriotism: “Give Me Liberty” by Naomi Wolf It also define the battle plan that the American citizens would use in ensuring that they fight back and regain back the rule of laws defined in the American constitution that enhance the liberty that […]
• Comparison of Ethnicity and Racism in “Country Lovers” and “The Welcome Table” In both cases, the texts have devoted their concerns to the plight of a black female who is deposed off her meaning within the realms of the society.
• The Question of Loyalty and Patriotism Considering the fact that the alien country, is where one lives and has accumulated most of her/his wealth, it becomes reasonable to show loyalty to the country though this action can also result into negatives […]
• Notions of Community and Notions of Self in The Plague and Patriotism Rieux, though a competent doctor and essentially kind hearted, exhibits a slightly annoyed air during the early days of the plague, and as the disease wears on, this annoyance graduates to full blown resentment.”The whole […]
• American Patriotism: Struggle for Independence The children’s’ efforts in the struggle for independence were greatly recognized and appreciated by the government which led to the introduction of classes on patriotism and nationalism.
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• The Effects of Country of Origin Image and Patriotism on British Consumers’ Preference for Domestic and Imported Beef
• An Analysis of the Patriotism of the Immigrants in the United States
• An Argument Which Argues Whether Children Should Be Taught in Education to Be Patriotism and Cosmopolitanism
• Patriotism Should Be Propagated In Singapore Schools
• Patriotism and the Historical Inaccuracies in The Patriot, a Film by Roland Emmerich
• The Subtle Use of Patriotism in the Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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• The European Charter – Between deep Diversity and Constitutional Patriotism
• Patriotism And National Identity : A Symbol Of National Hero
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• Chicago (A-D)
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Patriotism raises questions of the sort philosophers characteristically discuss: How is patriotism to be defined? How is it related to similar attitudes, such as nationalism? What is its moral standing: is it morally valuable or perhaps even mandatory, or is it rather a stance we should avoid? Yet until a few decades ago, philosophers used to show next to no interest in the subject. The article on patriotism in the Historical Dictionary of Philosophy , reviewing the use of the term from the 16 th century to our own times, gives numerous references, but they are mostly to authors who were not philosophers. Moreover, of the few well known philosophers cited, only one, J. G. Fichte, gave the subject more than a passing reference – and most of what Fichte had to say actually pertains to nationalism, rather than patriotism (see Busch and Dierse 1989).

This changed in the 1980s. The change was due, in part, to the revival of communitarianism, which came in response to the individualistic, liberal political and moral philosophy epitomized by John Rawls’ Theory of Justice (1971); but it was also due to the resurgence of nationalism in several parts of the world. The beginning of this change was marked by Andrew Oldenquist’s account of morality as a matter of various loyalties, rather than abstract principles and ideals (Oldenquist 1982), and Alasdair MacIntyre’s argument that patriotism is a central moral virtue (MacIntyre 1984). Largely in response to MacIntyre, some philosophers have defended constrained or deflated versions of patriotism (Baron 1989, Nathanson 1989, Primoratz 2002). Others have argued against patriotism of any sort (Gomberg 1990, McCabe 1997, Keller 2005). There is now a lively philosophical debate about the moral credentials of patriotism that shows no signs of abating. A parallel discussion in political philosophy concerns the kind of patriotism that might provide an alternative to nationalism as the ethos of a stable, well-functioning polity.

1.1 What is patriotism?

1.2 patriotism and nationalism, 2.1 patriotism and the ethics of belief, 2.2 the moral standing of patriotism, 3. the political import of patriotism, other internet resources, related entries, 1. conceptual issues.

The standard dictionary definition reads “love of one’s country.” This captures the core meaning of the term in ordinary use; but it might well be thought too thin and in need of fleshing out. In the first philosophical book-length study of the subject, Stephen Nathanson (1993, 34–35) defines patriotism as involving:

• Special affection for one’s own country
• A sense of personal identification with the country
• Special concern for the well-being of the country
• Willingness to sacrifice to promote the country’s good

There is little to cavil about here. There is no great difference between special affection and love, and Nathanson himself uses the terms interchangeably. Although love (or special affection) is usually given expression in special concern for its object, that is not necessary. But a person whose love for her country was not expressed in any special concern for it would scarcely be considered a patriot. Therefore the definition needs to include such concern. Once that is included, however, a willingness to make sacrifices for one’s country is implied, and need not be added as a separate component. Identification with the country, too, might be thought implied in the phrase “one’s country.” But the phrase is extremely vague, and allows for a country to be called “one’s own” in an extremely thin, formal sense too. It seems that if one is to be a patriot of a country, the country must be his in some significant sense; and that may be best captured by speaking of one’s identification with it. Such identification is expressed in vicarious feelings: in pride of one’s country’s merits and achievements, and in shame for its lapses or crimes (when these are acknowledged, rather than denied).

Accordingly, patriotism can be defined as love of one’s country, identification with it, and special concern for its well-being and that of compatriots.

This is only a definition. A fuller account of patriotism is beyond the scope of this article. Such an account would say something about the patriot’s beliefs about the merits of his country, his need to belong to a group and be a part of a more encompassing narrative, to be related to a past and a future that transcend the narrow confines of an individual’s life and its mundane concerns, as well as social and political conditions that affect the ebb and flow of patriotism, its political and cultural influence, and more.

Discussions of both patriotism and nationalism are often marred by lack of clarity due to the failure to distinguish the two. Many authors use the two terms interchangeably. Among those who do not, quite a few have made the distinction in ways that are not very helpful. In the 19 th century, Lord Acton contrasted “nationality” and patriotism as affection and instinct vs. a moral relation. Nationality is “our connection with the race” that is “merely natural or physical,” while patriotism is the awareness of our moral duties to the political community (Acton 1972, 163). In the 20 th century, Elie Kedourie did the opposite, presenting nationalism as a full-fledged philosophical and political doctrine about nations as basic units of humanity within which the individual can find freedom and fulfilment, and patriotism as mere sentiment of affection for one’s country (Kedourie 1985, 73–74).

George Orwell contrasted the two in terms of aggressive vs. defensive attitudes. Nationalism is about power: its adherent wants to acquire as much power and prestige as possible for his nation, in which he submerges his individuality. While nationalism is accordingly aggressive, patriotism is defensive: it is a devotion to a particular place and a way of life one thinks best, but has no wish to impose on others (Orwell 1968, 362). This way of distinguishing the two attitudes comes close to an approach popular among politicians and widespread in everyday discourse that indicates a double standard of the form “us vs. them.” Country and nation are first run together, and then patriotism and nationalism are distinguished in terms of the strength of the love and special concern one feels for it, the degree of one’s identification with it. When these are exhibited in a reasonable degree and without ill thoughts about others and hostile actions towards them, that is patriotism; when they become unbridled and cause one to think ill of others and act badly towards them, that is nationalism. Conveniently enough, it usually turns out that we are patriots, while they are nationalists (see Billig 1995, 55–59).

There is yet another way of distinguishing patriotism and nationalism – one that is quite simple and begs no moral questions. We can put aside the political sense of “nation” that makes it identical with “country,” “state,” or “polity,” and the political or civic type of nationalism related to it. We need concern ourselves only with the other, ethnic or cultural sense of “nation,” and focus on ethnic or cultural nationalism. In order to do so, we do not have to spell out the relevant understanding of “nation”; it is enough to characterize it in terms of common ancestry, history, and a set of cultural traits. Both patriotism and nationalism involve love of, identification with, and special concern for a certain entity. In the case of patriotism, that entity is one’s patria , one’s country; in the case of nationalism, that entity is one’s natio , one’s nation (in the ethnic/cultural sense of the term). Thus patriotism and nationalism are understood as the same type of set of beliefs and attitudes, and distinguished in terms of their objects, rather than the strength of those beliefs and attitudes, or as sentiment vs. theory.

To be sure, there is much overlap between country and nation, and therefore between patriotism and nationalism; thus much that applies to one will also apply to the other. But when a country is not ethnically homogeneous, or when a nation lacks a country of its own, the two may part ways.

2. Normative issues

Patriotism has had a fair number of critics. The harshest among them have judged it deeply flawed in every important respect. In the 19 th century, Russian novelist and thinker Leo Tolstoy found patriotism both stupid and immoral. It is stupid because every patriot holds his own country to be the best of all whereas, obviously, only one country can qualify. It is immoral because it enjoins us to promote our country’s interests at the expense of all other countries and by any means, including war, and is thus at odds with the most basic rule of morality, which tells us not to do to others what we would not want them to do to us (Tolstoy 1987, 97). Recently, Tolstoy’s critique has been seconded by American political theorist George Kateb, who argues that patriotism is “a mistake twice over: it is typically a grave moral error and its source is typically a state of mental confusion” (Kateb 2000, 901). Patriotism is most importantly expressed in a readiness to die and to kill for one’s country. But a country “is not a discernible collection of discernible individuals”; it is rather “an abstraction … a compound of a few actual and many imaginary ingredients.” Specifically, in addition to being a delimited territory, “it is also constructed out of transmitted memories true and false; a history usually mostly falsely sanitized or falsely heroized; a sense of kinship of a largely invented purity; and social ties that are largely invisible or impersonal, indeed abstract …” Therefore patriotism is “a readiness to die and to kill for an abstraction … for what is largely a figment of the imagination” (907).

Some of these objections can easily be countered. Even if full-fledged patriotism does involve a belief in one’s country’s merits, it need not involve the belief that one’s country is better than all others. And the fact that a country is not a collection of “discernible individuals” and that the social ties among compatriots are “largely invisible or impersonal,” rather than palpable and face-to-face, does not show that it is unreal or imaginary. As Benedict Anderson, who coined the term “imagined community,” points out, “all communities larger than primordial villages of face-to-face contact … are imagined.” “Imagined community” is not the opposite of “real community,” but rather of community whose members have face-to-face relations (Anderson 1991, 6).

However, there is another, more plausible line of criticism of patriotism focusing on its intellectual, rather than moral credentials. Moreover, Tolstoy’s and Kateb’s arguments questioning the moral legitimacy of patriotic partiality and those highlighting the connection of patriotism with international tensions and war cannot be so easily refuted.

When asked “why do you love your country?” or “why are you loyal to it?”, a patriot is likely to take the question to mean “what is so good about your country that you should love it, or be loyal to it?” and then adduce what she believes to be its virtues and achievements. This suggests that patriotism can be judged from the standpoint of ethics of belief – a set of norms for evaluating our beliefs and other doxastic states. Simon Keller has examined patriotism from this point of view, and found it wanting.

Keller argues that whereas one’s love of and loyalty to a family member or a friend may coexist with a low estimate of the person’s qualities, patriotism involves endorsement of one’s country. If the patriot is to endorse her country, she must consider her beliefs about the country’s virtues and achievements to be based on some objectively valid standards of value and an unbiased examination of the country’s past and present record that leads to the conclusion that it lives up to those standards. However, the patriot’s loyalty is not focused on her country simply because it instantiates a set of virtues a country can have. If that were the case, and if a neighboring country turned out to have such virtues to an even higher degree, the patriot’s loyalty would be redirected accordingly. She is loyal to her country because that country, and only that country, is her country; hers is a loyalty “in the first instance.” Thus the patriot is motivated to think of the patria as blessed by all manner of virtues and achievements whether the evidence, interpreted objectively, warrants that or not. Accordingly, she forms beliefs about her country in ways different from the ways in which she forms beliefs about other countries. Moreover, she cannot admit this motivation while at the same time remaining a patriot. This leads her to hide from herself the true source of some of the beliefs involved. This is bad faith. Bad faith is bad; so is patriotism, as well as every identity, individual or collective, constituted, in part, by patriotic loyalty. This, in Keller’s view, amounts to “a clear presumptive case against patriotism’s being a virtue and for its being a vice” (Keller 2005, 587–88).

This portrayal does seem accurate as far as much patriotism as we know it is concerned. Yet Keller may be overstating his case as one against patriotism as such. When queried about one’s loyalty to one’s country, couldn’t one say: “This is my country, my home; I need no further reason to be loyal to it and show special concern for its well-being”? This might not be a very satisfactory answer; we might agree with J.B. Zimmermann that “the love for one’s country … is in many cases no more than the love of an ass for its stall” (quoted in Nathanson 1993, 3). But however egocentric, irrational, asinine, surely it qualifies as patriotism. (In a later statement of his argument (2007a, 80–81), Keller seems to be of two minds on this point.)

Many think of patriotism as a natural and appropriate expression of attachment to the country in which we were born and raised and of gratitude for the benefits of life on its soil, among its people, and under its laws. They also consider patriotism an important component of our identity. Some go further, and argue that patriotism is morally mandatory, or even that it is the core of morality. There is, however, a major tradition in moral philosophy which understands morality as essentially universal and impartial, and seems to rule out local, partial attachment and loyalty. Adherents of this tradition tend to think of patriotism as a type of group egoism , a morally arbitrary partiality to “one’s own” at odds with demands of universal justice and common human solidarity. A related objection is that patriotism is exclusive in invidious and dangerous ways. Love of one’s own country characteristically goes together with dislike of and hostility towards other countries. It tends to encourage militarism, and makes for international tension and conflict. Tolstoy’s and Kateb’s moral objections to patriotism, mentioned above, are in line with this position.

What, then, is the moral status of patriotism? The question does not admit of a single answer. We can distinguish five types of patriotism, and each needs to be judged on its merits.

2.2.1 Extreme patriotism

Machiavelli is famous (or infamous) for teaching princes that, human nature being what it is, if they propose to do their job well, they must be willing to break their promises, to deceive, dissemble, and use violence, sometimes in cruel ways and on a large scale, when political circumstances require such actions. This may or may not be relevant to the question of patriotism, depending on just what we take the point of princely rule to be. A less well known part of Machiavelli’s teaching, however, is relevant; for he sought to impart the same lesson to politicians and common citizens of a republic. “When the safety of one’s country wholly depends on the decision to be taken, no attention should be paid either to justice or injustice, to kindness or cruelty, or to its being praiseworthy or ignominious” (Machiavelli 1998 [1518], 515). The paramount interests of one’s country override any moral consideration with which they might come into conflict.

This type of patriotism is extreme, but by no means extremely rare. It is adopted much too often by politicians and common citizens alike when their country’s major interests are thought to be at stake. It is encapsulated in the saying “our country, right or wrong,” at least on the simplest and most obvious construal of this saying. Not much needs to be said about the moral standing of this type of patriotism, as it amounts to rejection of morality. “Our country, right or wrong ” cannot be right.

2.2.2 Robust patriotism

In his seminal lecture “Is Patriotism a Virtue?” Alasdair MacIntyre contrasts patriotism with the liberal commitment to certain universal values and principles. On the liberal view, where and from whom I learn the principles of morality is just as irrelevant to their contents and to my commitment to them, as where and from whom I learn the principles of mathematics is irrelevant to their contents and my adherence to them. For MacIntyre, where and from whom I learn my morality is of decisive importance both for my commitment to it and for its very contents.

There is no morality as such; morality is always the morality of a particular community. One can understand and internalize moral rules only “in and through the way of life of [one’s] community” (MacIntyre 1984, 8). Moral rules are justified in terms of certain goods they express and promote; but these goods, too, are always given as part and parcel of the way of life of a community. The individual becomes a moral agent only when informed as such by his community. He also lives and flourishes as one because he is sustained in his moral life by his community. “… I can only be a moral agent because we are moral agents … Detached from my community, I will be apt to lose my hold upon all genuine standards of judgment” (10–11).

If I can live and flourish as a moral agent only as a member of my community, while playing the role this membership involves, then my very identity is bound up with that of my community, its history, traditions, institutions, and aspirations. Therefore,

if I do not understand the enacted narrative of my own individual life as embedded in the history of my country … I will not understand what I owe to others or what others owe to me, for what crimes of my nation I am bound to make reparation, for what benefits to my nation I am bound to feel gratitude. Understanding what is owed to and by me and understanding the history of the communities of which I am a part is … one and the same thing. (16)

This leads MacIntyre to conclude that patriotism is not to be contrasted with morality; it is rather a central moral virtue, indeed the bedrock of morality.

The object of patriotic loyalty is one’s country and polity; but this does not mean that a patriot will support any government in power in her country. Here MacIntyre’s position is different from a popular version of patriotism that tends to conflate the two. The patriot’s allegiance, he says, is not to the status quo of power, but rather to “the nation conceived as a project ” (13). One can oppose one’s country’s government in the name of the country’s true character, history, and aspirations. To that extent, this type of patriotism is critical and rational. But at least some practices and projects of the patria , some of its “large interests,” must be beyond questioning and critical scrutiny. To that extent, MacIntyre grants that what he considers true patriotism is “a fundamentally irrational attitude” (13). But a more rational and therefore more constrained loyalty would be “emasculated,” rather than real patriotism.

This account of patriotism is exposed to several objections. One might question the communitarian foundations of MacIntyre’s case for patriotism: his view of the moral primacy of the community over the individual. One might find fault with the step from communitarianism to patriotism:

Even if his communitarian conception of morality were correct and even if the process of moral development ensured that group loyalty would emerge as a central virtue, no conclusion would follow about the importance of patriotism. The group to which our primary loyalty would be owed would be the group from which we had obtained our moral understanding. This need not be the community as a whole or any political unit, however. It could be one’s family, one’s town, one’s religion. The nation need not be the source of morality or the primary beneficiary of our loyalty. (Nathanson 1989, 549)

Yet another objection would focus on the fundamentally irrational character of robust patriotism: its insistence that “large interests” of the patria must be beyond questioning.

MacIntyre concedes that “on occasion patriotism might require me to support and work for the success of some enterprise of my nation as crucial to its overall project … when the success of that enterprise would not be in the best interests of mankind” (14). If so, this type of patriotism would seem to involve the rejection of such basic moral notions as universal justice and common human solidarity.

Tolstoy and other critics have argued that patriotism is incompatible with these notions – that it is egoism writ large, an exclusive and ultimately aggressive concern for one’s country, and a major cause of international tensions and war. This is not a fair objection to patriotism as such. Patriotism is defined as a special concern for one’s country’s well-being, and that is not the same as an exclusive and aggressive concern for it. But the objection is pertinent, and has considerable force, when brought up against the type of patriotism advocated by MacIntyre. MacIntyre’s patriot may promote his country’s interests in a critical, and therefore non-exclusive way, over a range of issues. But when it comes to those “large interests” of his country that are beyond criticism and must be supported in an irrational way, his concern will inevitably become exclusive, and most likely aggressive too. If justice is understood in universal, rather than parochial terms, if common human solidarity counts as a weighty moral consideration, and if peace is of paramount importance and war is morally permissible only when it is just, then this kind of patriotism must be rejected.

2.2.3 Moderate patriotism

Rejecting robust patriotism does not entail adopting sweeping impartialism that acknowledges no special obligations, and allows no partiality, to “our own.” Nor does it entail adopting the more restricted, cosmopolitan position, that allows no partiality to our own country and compatriots. There is considerable middle ground between these extremes. Exploring this middle ground has led some philosophers to construct positions accommodating both the universal and the particular point of view – both the mandates of universal justice and claims of common humanity, and the concern for the patria and compatriots.

One such position is “patriotism compatible with liberal morality,” or “liberal patriotism” for short, advocated by Marcia Baron (1989). Baron argues that the conflict between impartiality and partiality is not quite as deep as it may seem. Morality allows for both types of considerations, as they pertain to different levels of moral deliberation. At one level, we are often justified in taking into account our particular commitments and attachments, including those to our country. At another level, we can and ought to reflect on such commitments and attachments from a universal, impartial point of view, to delineate their proper scope and determine their weight. We can conclude, for example, “that with respect to certain matters and within limits, it is good for an American to judge as an American, and to put American interests first” (Baron 1989, 272). In such a case, partiality and particular concerns are judged to be legitimate and indeed valuable from an impartial, universal point of view. This means that with respect to those matters and within the same limits, it is also good for a Cuban to judge as a Cuban and to put Cuban interests first, etc. Actually, this is how we think of our special obligations to, and preferences for, our family, friends, or local community; this kind of partiality is legitimate, and indeed valuable, not only for us but for anyone.

In MacIntyre’s view, the type of partiality in general, and patriotism in particular, that is at work only at one level of moral deliberation and against the background of impartiality at another, higher level, lacks content and weight. For Baron, on the other hand, MacIntyre’s strongly particularistic type of patriotism is irrational and morally hazardous. Baron also finds problematic the popular understanding of patriotism which focuses on the country’s might and its interests as determined by whatever government is in power. She emphasizes concern for the country’s cultural and moral excellence. By doing so, she argues, our patriotism will leave room for serious, even radical criticism of our country, and will not be a force for dissension and conflict in the international arena.

Another middle-of-the-road view is “moderate patriotism” propounded by Stephen Nathanson (1989, 1993). He, too, rejects the choice between MacIntyre’s robust patriotism and cosmopolitanism, and argues that impartiality required by morality allows for particular attachments and special obligations by distinguishing different levels of moral thinking. A good example is provided by the Ten Commandments, a major document of Western morality. The wording of the commandments is for the most part universal, impartial; but they also tell us “honor your father and your mother.”

The kind of patriotism defended by Nathanson and Baron is moderate in several distinct, but related respects. It is not unbridled: it does not enjoin the patriot to promote his country’s interests under any circumstances and by any means. It acknowledges the constraints morality imposes on the pursuit of our individual and collective goals. For instance, it may require the patriot to fight for his country, but only in so far as the war is, and remains, just. Adherents of both extreme and robust patriotism will consider themselves bound to fight for their country whether its cause be just or not. Extreme patriots will also fight for it in whatever way it takes to win. Whether adherents of MacIntyre’s robust patriotism, too, will do so is a moot point. If they do not, that will be because the morality of their own community places certain constraints on warfare, whether of a particularistic type (“a German officer does not execute POWs”), or by incorporating some universalistic moral precepts (“an officer does not execute POWs”).

Moderate patriotism is not exclusive. Its adherent will show special concern for his country and compatriots, but that will not prevent him from showing concern for other countries and their inhabitants. Moreover, this kind of patriotism allows for the possibility that under certain circumstances the concern for human beings in general will override the concern for one’s country and compatriots. Such patriotism is compatible with a decent degree of humanitarianism. By contrast, both extreme and robust patriotism give greater weight to the (substantial) interests of one’s country and compatriots than to those of other countries and their inhabitants whenever these interests come into conflict.

Finally, moderate patriotism is not uncritical, unconditional, or egocentric. For an adherent of this type of patriotism, it is not enough that the country is her country. She will also expect it to live up to certain standards and thereby deserve her support, devotion, and special concern for its well-being. When it fails to do so, she will withhold support. Adherents of both extreme and robust patriotism, on the other hand, love their country unconditionally, and stand by it whatever it does as long as its “safety” or its “large interests” more generally are concerned.

Baron and Nathanson have found a middle ground between sweeping cosmopolitanism that allows for no attachment and loyalty to one’s country and compatriots, and extreme or robust patriotism that rejects universal moral considerations (except those that have become part and parcel of one’s country’s morality). They have shown that the main objections usually advanced against patriotism as such apply only to its extreme or robust varieties, but not to its “liberal” or “moderate” versions. The latter type of patriotism need not conflict with impartial justice or common human solidarity. It will therefore be judged morally unobjectionable by all except some adherents of a strict type of cosmopolitanism .

However, both Baron and Nathanson fail to distinguish clearly between showing that their preferred type of patriotism is morally unobjectionable and showing that it is morally required or virtuous, and sometimes seem to be assuming that by showing the former, they are also showing the latter. Yet there is a gap between the two claims, and the latter, stronger case for moderate patriotism still needs to be made.

2.2.4 Deflated patriotism

What is the case for the claim that moderate patriotism is morally mandatory – that we have a duty of special concern for the well-being of our country and compatriots, similar to special duties to family or friends?

Gratitude is probably the most popular among the grounds adduced for patriotic duty. Echoing Socrates in Plato’s Crito (51c-51d), Maurizio Viroli writes: “… We have a moral obligation towards our country because we are indebted to it. We owe our country our life, our education, our language, and, in the most fortunate cases, our liberty. If we want to be moral persons, we must return what we have received, at least in part, by serving the common good” (Viroli 1995, 9).

Both Socrates and Viroli are exaggerating the benefits bestowed on us by our country; surely any gratitude owed for being born or brought up is owed to parents, rather than patria . But there are important benefits we have received from our country; the argument is that we are bound to show gratitude for them, and that the appropriate way to do so is to show special concern for the well-being of the country and compatriots.

One worry here is that considerations of gratitude normally arise in interpersonal relations. We also speak of gratitude to large and impersonal entities – our school, profession, or even our country – but that seems to be an abbreviated way of referring to gratitude to particular persons who have acted on behalf of these entities. A debt of gratitude is not incurred by any benefit received. If a benefit is conferred inadvertently, or advisedly but for the wrong reason (e.g. for the sake of the benefactor’s public image), gratitude will be misplaced. We owe a moral debt of gratitude (rather than the mere “thank you” of good manners) only to those who confer benefits on us deliberately and for the right reason, namely out of concern for our own good. And we cannot talk with confidence about the reasons a large and complex group or institution has for its actions.

Perhaps we can think of compatriots as an aggregate of individuals. Do we owe them a debt of gratitude for the benefits of life among them? Again, it depends on the reason for their law-abiding behavior and social cooperation generally. But there is no single reason common to all or even most of them. Some do their part without giving much thought to the reasons for doing so; others believe that doing so is, in the long run, the most prudent policy; still others act out of altruistic motives. Only the last group – surely a tiny minority – would be a proper object of our gratitude.

Moreover, gratitude is appropriate only for a benefit conferred freely, as a gift, and not as a quid pro quo . But most of the benefits we receive from our country are of the latter sort: benefits we have paid for by our own law-abiding behavior in general, and through taxation in particular.

The benefits one has received from her country might be considered relevant to the duty of patriotism in a different way: as raising the issue of fairness . One’s country is not a land inhabited by strangers to whom we owe nothing beyond what we owe to any other human being. It is rather a common enterprise that produces and distributes a wide range of benefits. These benefits are made possible by cooperation of those who live in the country, participate in the enterprise, owe and render allegiance to the polity. The rules that regulate the cooperation and determine the distribution of burdens and benefits enjoin, among other things, special concern for the well-being of compatriots which is not due to outsiders. As Richard Dagger puts it:

Compatriots take priority because we owe it to them as a matter of reciprocity. Everyone, compatriot or not, has a claim to our respect and concern … but those who join with us in cooperative enterprises have a claim to special recognition. Their cooperation enables us to enjoy the benefits of the enterprise, and fairness demands that we reciprocate. … We must accord our fellow citizens a special status, a priority over those who stand outside the special relationship constituted by the political enterprise. […] [Our fellow citizens] have a claim on us … that extends to include the notion that compatriots take priority. (Dagger 1985, 446, 443)

This argument conflates the issue of patriotism with that of political obligation , and the notion of a patriot with that of a citizen. Unlike informal cooperation among tenants in a building, for instance, cooperation on the scale of a country is regulated by a set of laws. To do one’s part within such a cooperative enterprise is just to obey the laws, to act as a citizen. Whether we have a moral duty to obey the laws of our country is one of the central issues in modern political philosophy, discussed under the heading of political obligation. One major account of political obligation is that of fairness. If successful, that account shows that we do have a moral duty to abide by the laws of our country, to act as citizens, and that this duty is one of fairness. To fail to abide by one’s country’s laws is to fail to reciprocate, to take advantage of compatriots, to act unfairly towards them. But whereas a patriot is also a citizen, a citizen is not necessarily a patriot. Patriotism involves special concern for the patria and compatriots, a concern that goes beyond what the laws obligate one to do, beyond what one does as a citizen; that is, beyond what one ought, in fairness , to do. Failing to show that concern, however, cannot be unfair – except on the question-begging assumption that, in addition to state law, cooperation on this scale is also based on, and regulated by, a moral rule enjoining special concern for the well-being of the country and compatriots. Dagger asserts that the claim our compatriots have on us “extends to include” such concern, but provides no argument in support of this extension.

Some philosophers seek to ground patriotic duty in its good consequences (see the entry on consequentialism ). The duty of special concern for the well-being of our country and compatriots, just like other duties, universal and special, is justified by the good consequences of its adoption. Special duties mediate our fundamental, universal duties and make possible their most effective discharge. They establish a division of moral labor, necessary because our capacity of doing good is limited by our resources and circumstances. Each of us can normally be of greater assistance to those who are in some way close to us than to those who are not. By attending first to “our own,” we at the same time promote the good of humanity in the best way possible.

Patriots will find this account of their love of and loyalty to their country alien to what they feel patriotism is all about. It presents the duty of special concern for the well-being of one’s country and compatriots as a device for assigning to individuals some universal duties. Patriotic duty owes its moral force to the moral force of those universal duties. But if so, then, as a proponent of this understanding of patriotism concedes, “it turns out that ‘our fellow countrymen’ are not so very special after all” (Goodin 1988, 679). They merely happen to be the beneficiaries of the most effective way of putting into practice our concern for human beings in general. The special relationship between the patriot and the patria and compatriots – the relationship of love and identification – has been dissolved.

There is also a view of patriotic duty that, in contrast to the consequentialist account, does not dissolve, but rather highlight this relationship. That is the view of patriotism as an associative duty (see the entry on special obligations , section 4). It is based on an understanding of special relationships as intrinsically valuable and involving duties of special concern for the well-being of those we are related to. Such duties are not means of creating or maintaining those relationships, but rather their part and parcel, and can only be understood, and justified, as such, just as those relationships can only be understood as involving the special duties pertaining to them (while involving much else besides). For instance, one who denies that she has an obligation of special concern for the well-being of her friend shows that she no longer perceives and treats the person concerned as a friend, that (as far as she is concerned) the friendship is gone. One who denies that people in general have a duty of special concern for the well-being of their friends shows that she does not understand what friendship is.

Andrew Mason has offered an argument for the duty of special concern for the well-being of compatriots based on the value embodied in our relationship to compatriots, that of common citizenship. By “citizenship” he does not mean mere legal status, but takes the term in a moral sense, which involves equal standing. Citizenship in this sense is an intrinsically valuable relationship, and grounds certain special duties fellow citizens have to one another. Now citizenship obviously has considerable instrumental value; but how is it valuable in itself?

Citizenship has intrinsic value because in virtue of being a citizen a person is a member of a collective body in which they enjoy equal status with its other members and are thereby provided with recognition. This collective body exercises significant control over its members’ conditions of existence (a degree of control which none of its members individually possesses). It offers them the opportunity to contribute to the cultural environment in which its laws and policies are determined, and opportunities to participate directly and indirectly in the formation of these laws and policies. (Mason 1997, 442)

Mason goes on to claim:

Part of what it is to be a citizen is to incur special obligations: these obligations give content to what it is to be committed or loyal fellow citizen and are justified by the good of the wider relationship to which they contribute. In particular, citizens have an obligation to each other to participate fully in public life and an obligation to give priority to the needs of fellow citizens. (442)

The first of these two special duties can be put aside, as it is not specific to patriotism, but rather pertains to citizenship. It is the second that is at issue. If we indeed have a duty of special concern towards compatriots, and if that is an associative duty, that is because our association with them is intrinsically valuable and bound up with this duty. The claim about the intrinsic value of our association might be thought a moot point. But even if it were conceded, one might still resist the claim concerning the alleged duty. If someone were to deny that she has a duty of special concern for the well-being of her country and compatriots, beyond what the laws of her country mandate and beyond the concern she has for humans and humanity, would she thereby cease to be a citizen (in the sense involving equal standing)? If she were to deny that citizens generally have such an obligation, would that betray lack of understanding of what citizenship (in the relevant sense) is? If she came across two strangers in a life-threatening situation and could only save one, would she have a prima facie moral duty to save the one who was a compatriot? Mason’s position commits him to answering “yes” in each case, but all three claims are implausible (Primoratz 2009).

All the main arguments for the claim that patriotism is a duty, then, are exposed to serious objections. Unless a new, more convincing case for patriotism can be made, we have no good reason to think that patriotism is a moral duty.

If not a duty, is patriotism morally valuable? Someone showing concern for the well-being of others well beyond the degree of concern for others required of all of us is considered a morally better person than the rest of us (other things equal), an example of supererogatory virtue. Patriotism is a special concern for the well-being of one’s country and compatriots, a concern beyond what we owe other people and communities. Isn’t a patriot, then, a morally better person than the rest of us (other things equal)? Isn’t patriotism a supererogatory virtue?

One standard example of such virtue is the type of concern for those in an extreme plight shown by the late Mother Theresa, or by Doctors Without Borders. But they are exemplars of moral virtue for the same reason that makes a more modest degree of concern for others a moral duty falling on all of us. The same moral value, sympathy for and assistance to people in need, grounds a certain degree of concern for others as a general moral duty and explains why a significantly higher degree of such concern is a moral ideal. This explanation, however, does not apply in the case of patriotism. Patriotism is not but another extension of the duty of concern for others; it is a special concern for my country because it is my country, for my compatriots because they are my compatriots. Unlike Mother Theresa and Doctors Without Borders, whose concern is for all destitute, sick, dying persons they can reach, the concern of the patriot is by definition selective; and the selection is performed by the word “my.” But the word “my” cannot, by itself, play the critical role in an argument showing that a certain stance is morally valuable. If it could, other types of partialism, such as tribalism, racism, or sexism, would by the same token prove morally valuable too.

If patriotism is neither a moral duty nor a supererogatory virtue, then all its moral pretensions have been deflated. It has no positive moral significance. There is nothing to be said for it, morally speaking. We all have various preferences for places and people, tend to identify with many groups, large and small, to think of them as in some sense ours, and to show a degree of special concern for their members. But however important in other respects these preferences, identifications, and concerns might be, they lack positive moral import. They are morally permissible as long as they are kept within certain limits, but morally indifferent in themselves. The same is true of patriotism (Primoratz 2002).

2.2.5 Ethical patriotism

All four types of patriotism reviewed so far seek to defend and promote what might be termed the worldly, i.e. non-moral, interests of the patria : its political stability, military power, riches, influence in the international arena, and cultural vibrancy. They differ with regard to the lengths to which these interests will be promoted: adherents of extreme and robust patriotism will ultimately go to any length, whereas those whose patriotism is moderate or deflated will respect the limits universal moral considerations set to this pursuit. Marcia Baron also calls for expanding patriotic concern for the flourishing of one’s country to include its “moral flourishing” (see 2.2.3 above).

Thus Baron’s position is half-way between the usual, worldly kind of patriotism, and what might be described as its distinctively ethical type. The latter would put aside the country’s well-being in a mundane, non-moral sense, and would focus instead on its distinctively moral well-being, its moral identity and integrity. A patriot of this sort would not express his love for the patria by seeking to husband the country’s resources and preserve its natural beauty and its historical heritage, or make it rich, powerful, culturally preeminent, or influential on the world scene. Instead, he would seek to make sure that the country lives up to moral requirements and promotes moral values, both at home and internationally. He would work for a just and humane society at home, and seek to ensure that the country acts justly beyond its borders, and shows common human solidarity towards those in need, however distant and unfamiliar. He would also be concerned with the country’s past moral record and its implications for the present. He would support projects exploring the dark chapters of the country’s history, acknowledging the wrongs perpetrated in the past and responding to them in appropriate ways, whether by offering apologies or making amends, and by making sure such wrongs are not perpetrated again.

A patriot of this, distinctively ethical type, would want to see justice done, rights respected, human solidarity at work at any time and in any place. But her patriotism would be at work in a concern that her country be guided by these moral principles and values which is more sustained and more deeply felt than her concern that these principles and values should be put into practice generally. She would consider her own moral identity as bound up with that of her country, and the moral record of the patria as hers too. Unlike a patriot of the more worldly type, she might not feel great pride in her country’s worldly merits and achievements. She would be proud of the country’s moral record, when it inspires pride. But her patriotism would be expressed, above all, in a critical approach to her country and compatriots: she would feel entitled, and indeed called, to submit them to critical moral scrutiny, and to do so qua patriot.

While we have no moral reason to be patriots of the more usual, mundane kind, we do have reason to show special concern for our own country’s moral well-being. As a rule, when someone is wronged, someone else benefits from that. When a country maintains an unjust or inhumane practice, or enacts and enforces an unjust or inhumane law or policy, at least some, and sometimes many of its citizens reap benefits from it. Sometimes such a practice, legislation or policy affects people beyond the country’s borders; in such cases, the population as a whole may benefit. The responsibility for the injustice or lack of basic human solidarity lies with those who make the decisions and those who implement them. It also lies with those who give support to such decisions and their implementation. But some responsibility in this connection may also devolve on those who have no part in the making of the decisions or in their implementation, nor even provide support, but accept the benefits such a practice, law or policy generates.

A degree of complicity may also accrue to those who have no part in designing or putting into effect immoral practices, laws or policies, do not support them or benefit from them, but do benefit in various ways from being citizens of the country. One may derive significant psychological benefit from membership in and identification with a society or polity: from the sense of belonging, support and security such membership and identification afford. If one accepts such benefits, while knowing about the immoral practices, laws or policies at issue, or having no excuse for not knowing about them, that, too, may be seen as implicating him in those wrongs. To be sure, he makes no causal contribution to those wrongdoings, has no control over their course, and does not accept benefits from them. But in accepting benefits from his association with the wrongdoers, he may be seen as underwriting those wrongs and joining the class of those properly blamed. His complicity is lesser and the blame to be laid at his door is lesser too – but he still bears some moral responsibility and deserves some moral blame on that account. He cannot say in good faith: “Those wrongs have nothing to do with me. I am in no way implicated in them.”

If this is correct, we have reason to develop and exercise a special concern for the moral identity and integrity of our country. By doing so, we will be attending to an important aspect of our own moral identity and integrity. While patriotism of the more usual, worldly kind is neither morally required nor virtuous, but at best morally permitted, ethical patriotism can, under certain fairly common circumstances, be a moral duty (Primoratz 2006).

While moral philosophers debate the standing of patriotism as an instance of the problem of reconciling universal moral considerations with particular attachments and loyalties, political theorists are primarily interested in patriotism as an ethos of the well-ordered polity and an antidote to nationalism. Since the rise of the nation-state, it has been widely held that some form of nationalism is indispensable as a pre-political basis of the unity of the state that makes for solidarity among citizens and provides them with motivation to participate in public life and make sacrifices for the common good. As Roger Scruton put it, “for a liberal state to be secure, the citizens must understand the national interest as something other than the interest of the state . Only the first can evoke in them the sacrificial spirit upon which the second depends” (Scruton 1990, 319). But in the course of the 20 th century nationalism was deeply compromised. That has led political theorists to look for alternatives. Some have argued that an emphatically political patriotism could perform the unifying function of nationalism while avoiding its perils. This “new patriotism” puts aside, or at least de-emphasizes, pre-political ties such as common ancestry, language, or culture, and enjoins love of, and loyalty to, one’s political community, its laws and institutions, and the rights and liberties they make possible.

In view of the disastrous record of national socialism, it is not surprising that German thinkers in particular should be suspicious of patriotism as long as it has not been dissociated from nationalism. As early as 1959, political theorist Dolf Sternberger called for a new understanding of the concept of fatherland. “The fatherland is the ‘republic,’ which we create for ourselves. The fatherland is the constitution, to which we give life. The fatherland is the freedom which we truly enjoy only when we ourselves promote it, make use of it, and stand guard over it” (Sternberger 1990, 12). In 1979, on the 30 th anniversary of the Federal Republic, he coined the term “constitutional patriotism” ( Verfassungspatriotismus ) to describe the loyalty to the patria understood in these terms (13–16). The term was later adopted by Jürgen Habermas in the context of a case for overcoming pre-political, i.e. national and cultural, loyalties in public life, and supplanting them with a new, postnational, purely political identity embodied in the laws and institutions of a free and democratic state. Habermas argues that this identity, expressed in and reinforced by constitutional patriotism, can provide a solid foundation for such a state, given the ethnic and cultural heterogeneity characteristic of most countries in western Europe. It can also facilitate further European integration, and provide an antidote to the “chauvinism of affluence” tempting these countries (Habermas 1990).

Constitutional patriotism is the most widely discussed, but not the sole variety of “new patriotism.” Another is “covenanted patriotism” advocated by John H. Schaar as appropriate for countries whose population is much too ethnically and culturally heterogeneous to allow for “natural patriotism.” Schaar’s paradigmatic example is the United States, whose citizens “were bonded together not by blood or religion, not by tradition or territory, not by the walls and traditions of a city, but by a political idea … by a covenant, by dedication to a set of principles and by an exchange of promises to uphold and advance certain commitments” (Schaar 1981, 291). Still another variety is the “patriotism of liberty” propounded by Maurizio Viroli, who calls for a return to what patriotism used to be before it was harnessed in the service of the nation-state and submerged in nationalism: love of the laws and institutions of one’s polity and the common liberty they make possible (Viroli 1995).

This new, emphatically political version of patriotism has been met with both sympathy and skepticism. Those sympathetic to it have been discussing the prospects of a European constitutional patriotism (see Müller 2007, 93–139). Skeptics have argued that patriotism disconnected from all pre-political attachments and identities can generate only much too thin a sense of identity and much too weak a motivation for political participation – that, thus understood, “patriotism is not enough” (Canovan 2000).

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• Busch, Hans Jürgen, and Ulrich Dierse, 1989, “Patriotismus,” in Joachim Ritter and Karlfried Gründer (eds.), Historisches Wörterbuch der Philosophie , Basel: Schwabe & Co., Vol. 7: 207–17.
• Cafaro, Philip, 1995, “Patriotism as an Environmental Virtue,” Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics , 23: 185–302.
• Callan, Eamon, 2006, “Love, Idolatry, and Patriotism,” Social Theory and Practice , 32: 525–46.
• –––, 2010, “The Better Angels of Our Nature: Patriotism and Dirty Hands,” Journal of Political Philosophy , 18: 249–70.
• Canovan, Margaret, 2000, “Patriotism Is Not Enough,” British Journal of Political Science , 30: 413–32. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• Cohen, Joshua (ed.), 1996, For Love of Country: Debating the Limits of Patriotism , Boston: Beacon Press.
• Coons, Christian, 2002, “Wellman’s ‘Reductive’ Justification for Redistributive Policies that Favor Compatriots,” Ethics , 111: 782–87.
• Cronin, Ciaran, 2003, “Democracy and Collective Identity: A Defence of Constitutional Patriotism,” European Journal of Philosophy , 11: 1–28.
• Dagger, Richard, 1985, “Rights, Boundaries, and the Bonds of Community: A Qualified Defense of Moral Parochialism,” American Political Science Review , 79: 436–47.
• Dombrowski, Daniel, 1992, “On Why Patriotism Is not a Virtue,” International Journal of Applied Philosophy , 7: 1–4.
• Fullinwider, Robert K., 1992, “The New Patriotism,” in Claudia Mills (ed.), Values and Public Policy , Orlando: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 449–54.
• –––, 1996, “Patriotic History,” in Robert K. Fullinwider (ed.), Public Education in a Multicultural Society: Policy, Theory, Critique , Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 203–28.
• Gaffney, James, 1993, “Patriotism: Virtue or Vice?” Philosophy and Theology , 8: 129–47. A revised version is reprinted in Igor Primoratz (ed.), 2007, Politics and Morality , Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Gilbert, Margaret, 2009, “ Pro Patria : An Essay on Patriotism,” Journal of Ethics , 13: 319–46.
• Gomberg, Paul, 1990, “Patriotism Is Like Racism,” Ethics , 101: 144–50. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• –––, 2000, “Patriotism in Sports and in War,” in Torbjorn Tannsjo and Claudio Tamburrini (eds.), Values in Sport , London: Taylor & Francis, 87–98.
• Goodin, Robert E., 1988, “What Is So Special about Our Fellow Countrymen?” Ethics , 98: 663–86. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• Gordon, Rupert H., 2000, “Modernity, Freedom, and the State: Hegel’s Concept of Patriotism,” Review of Politics , 62: 295–325.
• Habermas, Jürgen, 1992, “Citizenship and National Identity: Some Reflections on the Future of Europe,” Praxis International , 12: 1–19. Reprinted in Habermas, Between Facts and Norms: Contributions to a Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy , William Rehg (trans.), Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1998.
• Hand, Michael, 2011, “Should We Promote Patriotism in Schools?” Political Studies , 59: 328–47.
• Hughes, Martin, 1989, “Is Patriotism a Virtue?” Cogito , 3: 98–104.
• Hulas, Maciej, and Stanislaw Fel (eds.), 2015, Intricacies of Patriotism: Towards a Complexity of Patriotic Allegiance , Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang.
• Kateb, George, 2000, “Is Patriotism a Mistake?” Social Research , 67: 901–24; reprinted in G. Kateb, Patriotism and Other Mistakes , Ithaca: Yale University Press, 2006.
• Kedourie, Elie, 1985, Nationalism , 3 rd edition, London: Hutchinson.
• Keller, Simon, 2005, “Patriotism as Bad Faith,” Ethics , 115: 563–92.
• –––, 2007a, The Limits of Loyalty , Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• –––, 2007b, “Are Patriotism and Universalism Compatible?” Social Theory and Practice , 32: 609–24.
• –––, 2009, “Making Nonsense of Loyalty to Country,” in Bodewijn de Bruin and Christopher S. Zurn (eds.), New Waves in Political Philosophy , Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 87–104.
• Khan, Carrie-Ann Biondi, 2003, “The Possibility of Liberal Patriotism,” Public Affairs Quarterly , 17: 265–90.
• Klampfer, Friderik, 1998, “Can the Appeal to the Intrinsic Value of Citizenship Really Help Us Justify Special Duties to Compatriots?” in P. Kampits, K. Kokai and A. Weiberg (eds.), Applied Ethics: Proceedings of the 21st International Wittgenstein Symposium (Volume 1), Kirchberg am Wechsel: Austrian Ludwig Wittgenstein Society, 358–63. 
• Kleingeld, Pauline, 2000, “Kantian Patriotism,” Philosophy & Public Affairs , 29: 313–41.
• –––, 2003, “Kant’s Cosmopolitan Patriotism,” Kant–Studien , 94: 299–316.
• Kleinig, John, Simon Keller, and Igor Primoratz, 2015, The Ethics of Patriotism: A Debate , Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
• Kodelja, Zdenko, 2011, “Is Education for Patriotism Morally Required, Permitted or Unacceptable?” Studies in Philosophy and Education , 30: 127–40.
• Königs, Peter, 2012, “Patriotism: A Case Study in the Philosophy of Emotions,” Grazer Philosophische Studien , 85: 299–309.
• Macedo, Stephen, 2011, “Just Patriotism?” Philosophy and Social Criticism , 37: 413–23.
• Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1998 [1518], The Discourses , B. Crick (ed.), L.J. Walker (trans.), Harmondsworth: Penguin Books.
• MacIntyre, Alasdair, 1984, Is Patriotism a Virtue? (The Lindley Lecture), Lawrence: University of Kansas. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• Mason, Andrew, 1997, “Special Obligations to Compatriots,” Ethics , 107: 427–47.
• McCabe, David, 1997, “Patriotic Gore, Again,” Southern Journal of Philosophy , 35: 203–23. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• McHugh Griffin, Michelle, 2007, “As a Woman I Have No Country,” Peace Review , 10: 255–59.
• Michelman, Frank I., 2001, “Morality, Identity and Constitutional Patriotism,” Ratio Juris , 14: 253–70.
• Miller, David, 2005, “Reasonable Partiality towards Compatriots,” Ethical Theory and Moral Practice , 8: 63–81.
• Miller, Richard W., 1997, “Killing for the Homeland: Patriotism, Nationalism and Violence,” Journal of Ethics , 1: 165–85.
• Müller, Jan-Werner, 2007, Constitutional Patriotism , Princeton: Princeton University Press.
• Montague, Phillip, 1994, “Patriotism and Political Obligation,” Journal of Social Philosophy , 25: 44–56.
• Moore, Margaret, 2009, “Is Patriotism an Associative Duty?” Journal of Ethics , 13: 383–99.
• Nathanson, Stephen, 1989, “In Defense of ‘Moderate Patriotism’,” Ethics , 99: 535–52. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• –––, 1993, Patriotism, Morality, and Peace , Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.
• –––, 2009, “Patriotism, War, and the Limits of Permissible Partiality,” Journal of Ethics , 13: 401–22.
• –––, 2016, “Immigration, Citizenship, and the Clash Between Partiality and Impartiality,” in Ann Cudd and Win-chiat Lee (eds.), Citizenship and Immigration , New York: Springer, 137–52.
• Nussbaum, Martha, 2012, “Teaching Patriotism: Love and Critical Freedom,” University of Chicago Law Review , 79: 215–51.
• Oldenquist, Andrew, 1982, “Loyalties,” Journal of Philosophy , 79: 173–93. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• Orwell, George, 1968, “Notes on Nationalism,” Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters , Sonia Orwell and Ian Angus (eds.), London: Secker & Warburg, vol. 3, 361–80.
• Papastephanou, Marianna, 2017, “Patriotism and Pride beyond Richard Rorty and Martha Nussbaum,” International Journal of Philosophical Studies , 25: 484–503.
• Primoratz, Igor, 2002, “Patriotism: A Deflationary View,” Philosophical Forum , 33: 443–58.
• –––, 2006, “Patriotism: Worldly and Ethical,” in Igor Primoratz and Aleksandar Pavković (eds.), Identity, Self-Determination and Secession , Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, 91–106.
• –––, 2009, “Patriotism and the Value of Citizenship,” Acta Analytica , 24: 63–67.
• Primoratz, Igor (ed.), 2002, Patriotism , Amherst: Humanity Books.
• Primoratz, Igor, and Aleksandar Pavković (eds.), 2007, Patriotism: Philosophical and Political Perspectives , Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing.
• Sardoc, Mitja (ed.), 2020, Handbook of Patriotism , Cham: Springer.
• Schaar, John H., 1981, “The Case for Patriotism,” Legitimacy in the Modern State , New Brunswick: Transaction Books, 285–311. Reprinted in Primoratz (ed.), 2002.
• Scruton, Roger, 1990, “In Defence of the Nation,” The Philosopher on Dover Beach , Manchester: Carcanet, 299–328.
• Shue, Henry, 1988, “Mediating Duties,” Ethics , 98: 687–704.
• Singer, Peter, 2002, One World: The Ethics of Globalization , New Haven: Yale University Press.
• Somerville, John, 1981, “Patriotism and War,” Ethics , 91: 568–78.
• Soutphommasane, Tim, 2012, The Virtuous Citizen: Patriotism in a Multicultural Society , Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Sternberger, Dolf, 1990, Verfassungspatriotismus ( Schriften , Vol. 10), Frankfurt/M.: Insel Verlag.
• Tan, Kok-Chor, 2004, Justice without Borders: Cosmopolitanism, Nationalism and Patriotism , Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Tolstoy, Leo, 1987, “On Patriotism” and “Patriotism, or Peace?” Writings on Civil Disobedience and Nonviolence , Philadelphia: New Society Publishers, 51–123, 137–47.
• Toth, Szilard Janos, 2019, “Justifying Republican Patriotism,” Philosophy and Society , 30: 287–303.
• Van Hooft, Stan, 2009, “Political Patriotism,” Journal of Applied Ethics and Philosophy , 1: 20–29.
• Vandevelde, Toon, 1997, “Communitarianism and Patriotism,” Ethical Perspectives , 4: 180–90.
• Vincent, Andrew, 2009, “Patriotism and Human Rights: An Argument for Unpatriotic Patriotism,” Journal of Ethics , 13: 347–64.
• Viroli, Maurizio, 1995, For Love of Country: An Essay on Patriotism and Nationalism , Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Weil, Simone, 1952, The Need for Roots , trans. A.F. Wills, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Wellman, Christopher Heath, 2000, “Relational Facts in Liberal Political Theory: Is there Magic in the Pronoun ‘My’?” Ethics , 110: 537–62.
• –––, 2001, “Friends, Compatriots, and Special Political Obligations,” Political Theory , 29: 217–36.
• White, John, 2001, “Patriotism without Obligation,” Journal of Philosophy of Education , 35: 141–51.
• Woolf, Virginia, 1938, Three Guineas , London: Hogarth Press.
• Zmora, Hillay, 2004, “Love of Country and Love of Party: Patriotism and Human Nature in Machiavelli,” History of Political Thought , 25: 424–45.

How to cite this entry . Preview the PDF version of this entry at the Friends of the SEP Society . Look up topics and thinkers related to this entry at the Internet Philosophy Ontology Project (InPhO). Enhanced bibliography for this entry at PhilPapers , with links to its database.

[Please contact the author with suggestions.]

communitarianism | consequentialism | cosmopolitanism | egoism | impartiality | loyalty | nationalism | obligations: special | political obligation | responsibility: collective

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Simon Keller, Stephen Nathanson, and Thomas Pogge for helpful comments on a draft of this article.

Copyright © 2020 by Igor Primoratz < igorprim @ gmail . com >

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Essay on Patriotism: Samples for Students in 100, 250, 500 Words

• Updated on  
• Oct 13, 2023

Essay on Patriotism: Patriotism can be defined as one’s love and loyalty towards their country. Everybody loves to serve their country and take it to new heights. These people are referred to as patriots. The feeling of patriotism allows a set of people to come closer. It must be promoted for the betterment of the country as well as the people residing there. 

Those who are true patriots work towards building their nation in whichever way they can. Here are essays on Patriotism of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any Patriotism essay as per your interest. 

Also Read: Maharana Pratap: The Patriotic Hero of the Century

Essay on Patriotism in 100 Words

Patriotism in India is a fervent devotion and love for one’s country, deeply ingrained in its rich history and diverse culture. It transcends mere flag-waving and extends to an unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress. Patriotism finds expression in the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters for India’s independence, serving as a timeless inspiration.

This sentiment is not confined to any particular religion, caste, or creed; it unites Indians from all backgrounds. It is evident in the respect for the national flag and anthem, symbolizing the collective pride of  1.4 billion people.

Patriotism isn’t blind allegiance; it involves constructive criticism and an earnest desire for India to reach greater heights. It fuels the spirit of nation-building, fostering unity in diversity and preserving the values that make India unique. In a rapidly changing world, patriotism remains the bedrock upon which India’s future is built, reminding all Indians of their duty to their beloved motherland.

Also Read- Famous Personalities Of India

Essay on Patriotism in 250 Words

Patriotism is a powerful force that has shapes a country’s history and continues to influence its present. In this essay, we will explore the significance of patriotism in India, its historical roots, and its manifestations in contemporary society.

Historical Roots of Patriotism

India’s rich history of patriotism can be traced back to its struggle for independence against British colonial rule. Visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose inspired millions with their unwavering love for the nation. Their sacrifices and dedication instilled a deep sense of patriotism in the hearts of Indians.

Diverse and United

India’s diversity in culture, language, and religion is a testament to its unity in diversity. Patriotism in India transcends these differences, binding the nation together. Indians take pride in their heritage, from the majestic Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala. This love for the motherland fosters a sense of belonging and unity.

Modern Expressions of Patriotism

Today, patriotism finds expression in various forms. Indians celebrate their independence on August 15th with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. Social media has provided a platform for citizens to express their love for India, and campaigns like “Make in India” promote economic patriotism by supporting indigenous products.

Patriotism in India is a deep-seated emotion that binds its people together. Rooted in history, it has evolved to suit the modern world. As India continues to progress, patriotism remains a guiding force, reminding citizens of their responsibilities and the importance of unity in building a brighter future for the nation.

Also Read: Education of Rabindranath Tagore

Essay on Patriotism in 500 Words 

Introduction.

Patriotism in India is an enduring sentiment deeply etched into the collective psyche of its citizens. This essay explores the multifaceted dimensions of patriotism, tracing its historical roots, examining its contemporary expressions, and highlighting the challenges and responsibilities it entails.

Historical Legacy of Patriotism

1. The Freedom Struggle: Patriotism in India finds its origins in the arduous struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose became iconic symbols of unwavering love for the nation. Their sacrifices and dedication stirred the hearts of millions, laying the foundation for modern Indian patriotism.

2. Iconic Moments: The Salt March, Quit India Movement, and Dandi March stand as enduring symbols of patriotic fervor. These historic events not only marked milestones in the journey towards independence but also demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance and unity.

Diverse and Unified

1. Unity in Diversity: India’s remarkable diversity in culture, language, religion, and geography is a testament to its unity in diversity. Despite these differences, Indians share a common bond of love for the motherland. This sense of belonging transcends regional and cultural boundaries.

2. Cultural Expressions: India’s rich cultural tapestry, from the majestic Himalayas to the vibrant festivals of Holi and Diwali, serves as a canvas for expressions of patriotism. Songs, dances, and traditional rituals celebrate the nation’s heritage and its people’s attachment to it.

1. National Celebrations: Independence Day and Republic Day are grand celebrations that unite the nation. Flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances showcase the pride Indians take in their country’s achievements.

2. Economic Patriotism: Initiatives like “Make in India” promote economic patriotism by encouraging the consumption of indigenous products. Supporting local businesses and industries is seen as a way to contribute to the nation’s growth.

Challenges and Responsibilities

1. Upholding Democratic Values: Patriotism must go hand in hand with upholding democratic values. Respecting the Constitution, ensuring equal rights, and promoting social justice are crucial aspects of being a patriotic Indian.

2. Tackling Divisions: While patriotism unites, it can also be misused to promote division and intolerance. Indians must be vigilant against divisive ideologies that threaten the nation’s unity.

3. Environmental Responsibility: Protecting India’s natural heritage is an essential facet of patriotism. Preserving forests, rivers, and wildlife ensures a sustainable future for the country.

Patriotism in India is a timeless bond that has withstood the test of time. Rooted in a history of struggle, it has evolved to encompass the vast diversity of the nation. 

As India continues to progress on the global stage, patriotism remains a guiding force, reminding citizens of their responsibilities and the importance of unity in shaping a brighter future for the nation. It is a sentiment that continues to inspire and define India’s identity in the modern world.

Ans. Patriotism arises organically and holds great importance in safeguarding a nation’s cultural and historical legacy. It involves a deep sense of pride in being a representative of one’s country. Patriotism encompasses a profound love for the nation and a willingness to endure any hardship for the sake of one’s homeland.

Ans. The top 5 points of a best patriot are a unique fondness for one’s native land, a feeling of personal connection to the nation, a particular care for the welfare of the country and readiness to make sacrifices to advance the nation’s welfare.

Ans. The term “patriot” refers to an individual who harbors a deep affection for their homeland and is willing to courageously uphold and protect it. This definition has remained constant since the word was introduced to the English language in the 16th century, although it has faced occasional scrutiny and debate over the years.

We hope that this blog essay on Patriotism has given you some known and unknown facts and secrets about Patriotism. For more amazing reads on essay writing , follow Leverage Edu. 

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Essay Samples on Patriotism

What is patriotism: exploring the essence of love for one's country.

Patriotism, a sentiment deeply ingrained in the human spirit, is often described as the love, loyalty, and devotion one feels towards their homeland. It is an emotion that transcends geographical boundaries, uniting individuals under the banner of shared identity and pride. Patriotism has been the...

• Citizenship

What Are Our Modern Day Patriots

Who are our modern day patriots? This question invites us to recognize the individuals whose actions, values, and commitments contribute to the betterment of society. While historical figures like the Founding Fathers continue to be celebrated, it is essential to acknowledge that modern patriots also...

The Pledge of Allegiance: Standing Up During Its Recital

Analyzing the situation of the student, Stella Student, in regard to other Supreme Court decisions is complex and requires the utmost care in dissecting the rationale of the court in their decisions. In cases concerning the protection against sanction or persecution due to First Amendment...

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The Semantics of the Language in the Pledge of Allegiance

In class, we’ve studied the separate definitions of justice and language. The word justice according to the OED, has a lot of origins. It comes from the French and Latin. French jostise, Latin iūstitia. Its dictionary definition is “Punishment of an offender; retribution deemed appropriate...

The Political Participation and the Choice to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

Family and school and peers, oh my! All of these, including others are agents of socialization. Each serve its own purpose to contribute to the influence of one’s value to politics, as well as to the learning process of how we communicate. Let’s go back,...

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The Establishment Of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

The establishment of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) basically revolves around its essential targets: to instill the resources of energy and patriotism among the youthful, to set them up for a basic power and citizenship, and most outrageous, to make pioneers and nearby armed...

• United States Army

It's All About The Patriots, Not Loyalist In The Postcolonialism

In 1776 we as colonist were faced with the tough decision of what side we were going to take, if the event of a war were to happen. There were three options that we could have taken. The first, was siding with the British, which...

• American Revolutionary War
• Thirteen Colonies

The Political Role Of Patriots And Loyalists In The American History

Though often overlooked in exchange for the more notable events transpiring in New England and the middle colonies, the revolutionary war in South Carolina played a critical role in determining the outcome. The loyalists, also known as the tories or royalists, were American colonizers who...

• American History

The Ideas of Patriotism in The Superman Chronicles and The Brinkley Girls

Since the early 20th centaury till this day, comic books have become a predominantly unique medium for American cultural creation and patriotism, making them a fitting subject for the study of American history. We will inspect and analyze the comic strips The Superman Chronicles and...

The Patriotism of Edward Snowden's Case

Edward Snowden. One name, one man, a person almost everyone in the information technology field has herd about. That one name can fill peoples mind with hatred or with respect and gratitude, sparking a debate that will last for years to come. How can one...

• American Government
• Edward Snowden

Analysis Of Themes In Mohsin Hamid's "Reluctant Fundamentalist"

The most noticeable figure of Pakistan Mohsin Hamid reflects the themes of patriotism and terrorism in the novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist was published in 2007. The purpose of the research is to give the reader a new idea in understanding the themes of “Patriotism” and...

• The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Wilfred Owen Counter-Argument to Patriotic Ideology

It is the view of Marxist criticism that literary texts either support or subvert the existing economic and social systems. Wilfred Owen uses his war poetry to subvert and criticise the air of patriotic ideology engrained in British culture during the First World War, where...

• Wilfred Owen

Development of Nationalism in Europe (1789-1933)

The time period of 1789 to 1933 contained significant developments in the formation of nations and how the individual citizens felt towards nationalism. Zimmer describes nationalism as, “an ideology or political religion, a political movement seeking state power, a cultural formation allowing industrial societies to...

• Nationalism

The Confederate Flag: Losing Integrity of Patriotism

As the turmoil of life thrusts people into their daily routines, political opinions tend to lay dormant until election time comes back around. As talk of elections reappear, the flames of political debate are relit. Elections serve to paint a clear image of the opinions...

Nationalism and Patriotism Throughout the American Revolution

When speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, President Donald Trump cited John Adams’ writing that the American Revolution was “effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.” President Trump then went on to say,...

• American Revolution

1957: Hati Malaya as an Example of Patriotism in Malaysian Filmmaking Industry

Introduction The path to achieve independence for our country has been such a painful journey for the people who work for it. While we celebrate 62 years of independence as a sovereign nation on August 31, some important elements of that struggle for freedom in...

Patriotism: The Way It Affects Us All

Throughout my life, I have always known my parents to encourage me to appreciate my country and all that it has to offer. To have great patriotism. But I never understood that until around the age of 10. This is when my parents started telling...

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Best topics on Patriotism

1. What is Patriotism: Exploring the Essence of Love for One’s Country

2. What Are Our Modern Day Patriots

3. The Pledge of Allegiance: Standing Up During Its Recital

4. The Semantics of the Language in the Pledge of Allegiance

5. The Political Participation and the Choice to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

6. The Establishment Of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

7. It’s All About The Patriots, Not Loyalist In The Postcolonialism

8. The Political Role Of Patriots And Loyalists In The American History

9. The Ideas of Patriotism in The Superman Chronicles and The Brinkley Girls

10. The Patriotism of Edward Snowden’s Case

11. Analysis Of Themes In Mohsin Hamid’s “Reluctant Fundamentalist”

12. Wilfred Owen Counter-Argument to Patriotic Ideology

13. Development of Nationalism in Europe (1789-1933)

14. The Confederate Flag: Losing Integrity of Patriotism

15. Nationalism and Patriotism Throughout the American Revolution

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Essay on Patriotism for Students in 1000 Words

In this post, you will read an Essay on Patriotism for students in 1000 Words. It includes ideology behind patriotism, its importance, history, and about how it works?

So, let’s start the Essay on Patriotism …

Table of Contents

Introduction (Essay on Patriotism)

Patriotism can be defined as the quality of becoming patriotic. Patriotic is someone who has respect, loyalty, and devotion towards his nation and robust support for the homeland.

Patriots were known for their country’s love and affection, and feel very proud to be the citizens. We have such a sense of solidarity with other people. We can be culturally, politically, or historically linked to one’s homeland onto the basis of that same ideal and many other things.

Ideology behind patriotism

A Patriotic person is always on his own country’s side or supports his leaders when they deserve it. They are committed to their nation, care about their security, hold their country’s interest at their goal, and will always want their stability, development, and growth. People have an emotional relationship with their country and so this attachment is often referred to as national sentiment and national pride.

Patriotism was firmly related to a collection of nationalist ideals and is often even used synonymously. But perhaps the key difference between these two concepts would be that the patriot felt proud of his heritage at what it does, and no matter what it does; the nationalist makes it feel proud of his nation. Therefore patriotism creates a feeling of duty while patriotism establishes a sense of arrogance and ignorance, which may even lead to chaos.

Although several people think patriotism has to do with laying somebody’s life for their country, that’s more than that. It implies defending the country in every possible way, working for their battlement or willingness to protect their own lives whenever necessary.

Importance of patriotism

Having patriotism is quite essential for either the country’s independence and our freedom fighters were the most exceptional example of that. While a nationalist has stipulated his life in their country’s sake, in reality, he becomes immortal. They were worshipped mostly by their peasants and honored throughout the world.

Today they have suffered great hardships for their country and even sometimes have sacrificed a lot of everything for freedom. By self-sacrifice, they receive an immortalized name. Thus many patriots win the hearts and minds of their countrymen after potentially losing many things, including their lives.

History of patriotism in India

In the past, particularly during the most British rule over India, several people have fought for their country or even sacrificed their lives for it. Yet there are several people who continue to fight for their country with the same dedication and are ready to lay down their lives to protect their homeland against intruders or invaders.

Indian revolutionaries were packed with feelings and patriotism and have never thought about their life. As such, they selflessly operated for the country. Also now, many people serve our country in whatever form they can, in absolute commitment.

How does patriotism work?

However, that spirit of patriotism is slowly waning these days since today’s youth are not feeling as deeply about their country when new generation people would feel.

Both the parents and teachers need to make efforts to instill the spirit for patriotism throughout the generations to come. We must encourage patriotism sentiment, as when the country’s youths must love the country, feel connected to it, and make an effort or work to make it a stronger nation.

Several educational organizations, except on 15th August as well as 26th January, organize classes, events, and activities. By this time, the sense of patriotism seemed to overtake the whole country. But in fact, this isn’t true patriotism.

Such an environment needs to be developed not only on these crucial dates but also in general. Only then should these feelings become permanently instilled in every citizenry’s heart. A nation in which the youth love this country and are motivated to socially and economically change its condition will have a better chance of growing and developing.

For our country, we should have respect, affection, and a sense of community, and at the same time, we should not hate certain countries. To prevent the conflicts here between two nations from breaking out, we not only should love our country and also have reverence for other countries.

Our flag was not only a piece of cloth with colors on it, although it is a symbol of pride, liberty, devotion, and is colored by the blood of those that have died in protection. And so when a person realizes they can become a true patriot, they encourage those behind him to work to create a powerful, better, and prosperous country.

A true patriot

He seems to be a true patriot that can give away his career and everything for his country. Its country’s future hinges upon its rulers. Whether the rulers seem to be real patriots, they think of a country’s interests as well as the people.

They continue to do this for the nation’s better. A nationalist puts the importance of the land before his own. He is trying to lead people to such a proper way of living. He was kind, compassionate, genuine, and honest.

A fake patriot

But certain false patriots do exist. They’re just fond of taking undue advantage of this situation. They were men of neither faith nor character. We don’t have a high sensitivity to motivation and sacrifice. They were selfish. We live on our own in such a small world. These people represent the nation’s enemies.

Patriot’s rewards

The true patriot works for his mother country and dies. Throughout life and again after the death, he’s respected and loved. That kind of nationalist is everlasting. Among these people are modern-day Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru , Subhash Chandra Bose , and many others. Maharana Pratap, Shivaji, and others have been among many of the Ancients.

The bottom line

A nationalist must think not only of national interest but from the international community as well. He has to climb above emotions at home. He has to believe the human race’s welfare. Mahatma Gandhi aptly says,

“My patriotism requires the public good of mankind.”

I hope you like this Essay on Patriotism for students.

3 thoughts on “Essay on Patriotism for Students in 1000 Words”

Thanq u so much for this good content

Literally amazing ????✨

It’s really awesome I don’t know even the meaning of patriotism word but it’s amazing very easy to understand and memorizing it’s really good thankyou so much for a good content keep it up like this

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Patriotism Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

Essay on patriotism -.

Patriotism can be defined as the attachment and commitment that one feels towards their` country or nation. Being a "good citizen" in the traditional sense means to have a sense of patriotism, sometimes known as "being patriotic". Those who love their country and desire to defend it against enemies are called patriots. Patriotism is one’s desire to show respect and love for their country and fellow citizens.

100 Words Essay On Patriotism

“Citizenship consists in the service of the country.”- Jawaharlal Nehru .

The term "patriotism" refers to loyalty and respect for one's country . Patriotism signifies a devotion to a specific political community but not necessarily to its current system of government. Patriotism can be defined in several ways, emphasising different aspects of the concept.

Scholars have proposed various definitions of patriotism. One such definition holds that patriotism strengthens national bonds and fosters national loyalty when people of the country share a common belief in their country's superiority and show affection for national symbols. Scholars have agreed on patriotism in support of nationalism based on superiority and foreign sovereignty.

200 Words Essay On Patriotism

The slogan given by Subhash Chandra Bose - "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom", shows their patriotism and determination towards the country.

Patriotism has a protective nature, both aggressive and cultural . Patriotism is proof that a country is united in pursuing a common goal. Patriotism is a term that has no intention of putting pressure on other people, and it defines a place that is the best in the world and has the best lifestyle and people's boundaries toward this idea. Social psychologists emphasise the primary characteristics of patriotism as loyalty, love, and desire to belong to a country. Patriotism is not the same for everyone; it is not just to sacrifice one’s life; one can even show patriotism by giving selfless services to the country.

Finally, patriotism may be viewed as a social construct that emerges gradually because of an individual's cultural engagement. It is usual for individuals to express their love and compassion for places they adore, just as it is natural for children to express their love for their parents and the organisations in which they engage. However, throughout the process of developing nations, individuals felt that they were members of society far more significant than themselves.

500 Words Essay On Patriotism

“Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.” - George Bernard Shaw .

The concepts of "loyalty," "commitment," and "dedication" are essential to the concept of "patriotism." In its most condensed form, patriotism is a person's passion for their country or nation and is one of the oldest political virtues. Its appeal is more emotional than analytical and requires accepting responsibility for the political system or state. Patriotism is based on an often-unspoken idea, the political equivalent of the saying "blood is thicker than water," reminding individuals that they should prioritise their family over all others.

How Is Patriotism Expressed

Patriotism can be expressed using the terms "love for country", and nationalism, also known as "loyalty to one's nation," are sometimes used interchangeably. Nationalism, sometimes mistaken for patriotism, refers to a distinct phenomenon: the actual or aspirational merger of a shared ethnicity and state sovereignty. Real patriots (our freedom fighters) showed the true meaning of patriotism by sacrificing their own lives for the sake of our country. The freedom we enjoy in terms of economic, social, political and cultural aspects is due to them only.

Patriots | Patriotism was extreme in India at the time of British reign. Some of the greatest patriots are Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and much more, who contributed the utmost for the freedom of our country.

Nationalism and Patriotism

Nationalism and patriotism are two expressions that demonstrate an individual's connection to their country. People tend to believe that they mean the same thing but that there is a significant difference between nationalism and patriotism. While nationalism emphasises the inheritance of language and cultural unity, patriotism emphasises values and beliefs and aims to achieve love for the country and nation.

Patriotism comes from a country's freedom, justice, and equality principles. A patriot believes that the country's government and people are decent and strive for a better life. Nationalists believe that their country is superior to the others. This also implies distrust or disapproval of other nations, implying that they are competitors. Nationalists often demand worldwide dominance, whereas patriots do not.

Examples Of Patriotism

Patriotism can be seen by standing for the national anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The most common way to show patriotism is to help in nation-building and economic growth. However, there are other ways of representing patriotism.

Voting in elections

Proudly displaying your country's achievements

·Paying taxes and obeying all laws

Celebrating national holidays

Buying local items

Volunteering

Pros And Cons Of Patriotism

Few nations survive and thrive without some level of patriotism among their citizens. People come together to overcome obstacles because they have a love of the nation and a sense of shared pride. The possible drawback of patriotism is that if it turns into a political doctrine, it may cause individuals to turn against one another and even cause the nation to abandon its core principles.

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In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

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Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

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Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

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A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

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AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Patriotism — The True Meaning of Patriotism

The True Meaning of Patriotism

• Categories: Patriotism

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Published: Sep 1, 2020

Words: 910 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

What i learned, works cited.

• Anderson, B. (1991). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. Verso.
• Bellah, R. N. (1991). The broken covenant: American civil religion in time of trial. University of Chicago Press.
• Hobsbawm, E. J. (1992). Nations and nationalism since 1780: Programme, myth, reality. Cambridge University Press.
• Iglesias, F. P. (2003). American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm. Random House.
• Ignatieff, M. (2005). American exceptionalism and human rights. Princeton University Press.
• Primoratz, I. (2002). Patriotism. Ethics, 112(1), 87-120.
• Schudson, M. (1998). The good citizen: A history of American civic life. Harvard University Press.
• Smith, A. D. (2010). Nationalism: Theory, ideology, history. John Wiley & Sons.
• Tamir, Y. (2019). Nationalism and the moral psychology of community. Cambridge University Press.
• Viroli, M. (1995). For love of country: An essay on patriotism and nationalism. Oxford University Press.

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Smart and timely features from our books and authors

What Does Patriotism Mean in America Today?

July 4 th generally conjures images of barbeques, fireworks, and large, billowing flags. But due to large protests against police brutality, concerns of COVID, and an upcoming election that symbolizes both fear and hope for many, the holiday this year looks very different. This Independence Day, instead of a celebration of patriotism, we wanted to dedicate some time to reflecting on it. We invited three of our political science authors to answer the following questions: What does patriotism mean in America today? Given that definition, should Americans be patriotic today? Below are their thoughtful responses.

LaFleur Stephens-Dougan author of Race to the Bottom: How Racial Appeals Work in American Politics

Reflecting on what patriotism means to me so close to the celebration of our nation’s Independence Day is a weighty endeavor.  In my opinion, patriotism in the United States is fraught with contradiction, especially for Black Americans. Black Americans have made countless contributions to the United States, a country they love, but are still engaged in a centuries-old struggle for economic, political, and social equality.  As the child of Black immigrants, who came to this country voluntarily, I am acutely aware of the sacrifices that African Americans have made on behalf on all of us, essentially serving as the nation’s conscience—the keepers of democracy. 

Patriotism means loving one’s country so much that you hold it accountable to the ideals that it proclaims.  You call on patriots to strive to live out stated ideals: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. According to the Declaration of Independence, this trifecta of inalienable rights was given to all humans by their creator, and, government was formed to protect these  rights  for all citizens.  Yet, some 244 years later after that document was penned, Black people are disproportionately dying at the hands of the state, and sometimes at the hands of civilians, who question whether Black people should jog (Ahmaud Arbery), walk home from the store (Trayvon Martin), or ask for help (Renisha McBride).

Of course, the Declaration of Independence was authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, himself a slaveholder.  He surely did not perceive African Americans as beneficiaries of the ideals he had mind.  Still, Black people remain America’s moral conscience.  Even amidst a global pandemic that has disproportionately harmed African Americans, that same community and their allies rightly protest to hold the country accountable to its own stated ideals.  As we reflect on Independence Day 2020, there’s nothing more patriotic than that, in my humble opinion.

Rachel Blum, author of How the Tea Party Captured the GOP: Insurgent Factions in American Politics

The protests following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by their own government have brought two warring visions of American patriotism into sharp relief: patriotism as a characteristic and patriotism as an action. In this first vision patriotism is a characteristic that is possessed by a certain group of people (patriots). These patriots consider themselves to be the only “real” Americans — the only ones deserving of the full rights and protections of citizenship. Here’s the catch: membership in the patriot class is almost exclusively reserved for native-born, English-speaking whites. Conceived in this way, patriotism is just another tool for discriminating between “us” and “them.”  In the second vision, patriotism is an active state of caring for the country you call home and the people in it. Caring for your country is different from blindly loving it, or swearing fealty to its leaders. It bears more resemblance to the way members of a family care for one another: paying attention, taking responsibility for one another’s well-being, having difficult conversations about problematic behaviors, and protecting one another from abuse. The question is not whether Americans today should be patriotic, but which vision of patriotism we will choose.

Benjamin I. Page, coauthor of Democracy in America? What Has Gone Wrong and What We Can Do About It

Patriotism can be thoughtful or shallow; loving or hostile; encompassing or exclusive; uplifting or complacent. It can be subservient or independent. Judging by our public discourse, Americans today may seem to have sunk into the lowest sort of exclusive and xenophobic patriotism. Our ills, from the pandemic to terrorism to poverty, are blamed on “foreign” scapegoats – China, Muslims, Mexican immigrants. The bully pulpit is used to bully. A debased vision of national greatness celebrates racism, nativism, sexism, and go-it-alone nationalism.

But studies of public opinion make clear that this rancid rhetoric from politicians and shouters does not reflect the views of most ordinary Americans. To most, patriotism means inclusive love of family, friends, community, and country – in all their diversity and messiness – without hatred of the “other.” To most, patriotism allows for criticism, seeks progress, and embraces cooperation rather than conflict with the wider world. On this Independence Day it is quite possible to love our country while working to replace officials and abate the noxious noise that bombards us.

All of these books are available on our website or from your favorite bookseller .

In defense of a reasonable patriotism

Subscribe to governance weekly, william a. galston william a. galston ezra k. zilkha chair and senior fellow - governance studies.

July 23, 2018

• 22 min read

This essay is adapted from remarks delivered by William Galston at the Estoril Political Forum on June 25, 2018. Galston was invited to deliver the forum’s Dahrendorf Memorial Lecture on the topic of “Patriotism, Cosmopolitanism, and Democracy.”

Introduction

In this essay, adapted from a lecture I recently delivered on the topic of “Patriotism, Cosmopolitanism, and Democracy,” I will defend what I term a “reasonable patriotism,” and I will argue that separate and distinct political communities are the only sites in which decent and—especially—democratic politics can be enacted.

I begin with some conceptual clarifications.

Cosmopolitanism is a creed that gives primary allegiance to the community of human beings as such, without regard to distinctions of birth, belief, or political boundaries. The antithesis of cosmopolitanism is particularism , in which one’s primary allegiance is to a group or subset of human beings with shared characteristics. There are different forms of particularism reflecting the varying objects of primary allegiance—communities of co-religionists (the Muslim ummah ), ethnicity, and shared citizenship, among others.

Patriotism denotes a special attachment to a particular political community, although not necessary to its existing form of government. Nationalism , with which patriotism is often confused, stands for a very different phenomenon—the fusion, actual or aspirational, between shared ethnicity and state sovereignty. The nation-state, then, is a community is which an ethnic group is politically dominant and sets the terms of communal life.

Nationalism, with which patriotism is often confused, stands for a very different phenomenon—the fusion, actual or aspirational, between shared ethnicity and state sovereignty.

Now to our topic. We gather today under a cloud. Throughout the West, nationalist forces—many tinged with xenophobia, ethnic prejudice, and religious bigotry—are on the rise. The recent Hungarian election featured nakedly anti-Semitic rhetoric not heard in Europe since the 1940s. Citizens are being invited to discard unifying civic principles in favor of divisive and exclusionary particularism.

It is tempting to respond by rejecting particularism root and branch and pinning our hopes on purely civic principles—to embrace, that is, what Jurgen Habermas has called “constitutional patriotism.” But matters are not, and cannot be, so simple.

The United States is often seen as the birthplace and exemplar of a civic order. You are or become an American, it is said, not because of religion or ethnicity but because you affirm, and are prepared to defend, the community’s basic principles and institutions. “All men are created equal.” “We the People.” What could be clearer?

And yet, the very document that famously holds certain truths to be self-evident begins by invoking a concept that is far from self-evident—namely, a distinct people may dissolve the political bands that have connected it to another people and to assume a “separate and equal standing” among the nations of the earth to which it is entitled by nothing less than “the laws of nature and of nature’s God.” The equality and independence of peoples is grounded in the same sources as the rights of individuals.

But what is a people, and what separates it from others? As it happens, John Jay, the least known of the three authors of the Federalist, went the farthest toward answering this question. In Federalist 2, he wrote that “Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people—a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established their general liberty and independence.”

This description of the American people was only partly true at the time. It did not apply to African Americans, not to mention Catholics and those many denizens of the colonies for whom German was the language of daily life. It is much less true today. Nonetheless, it calls for reflection.

We can read Jay to be suggesting that certain commonalities foster the identity and unity of a people and that the absence of these commonalities complicates this task. Religious differences can be divisive, especially when they are linked to controversial ideas about government, as Catholicism was until the middle of the past century and Islam is today. The absence of a shared language makes it more likely that linguistic sub-communities will think of themselves as separate peoples, as was the case throughout much of Canada’s history and remains the case in Belgium today. Conversely, participation in shared struggle can forge popular unity and foster civic equality.

It is no accident, I suggest, that the strands of universality and particularity are braided through the history of American peoplehood, as they are I suspect, for political communities throughout the West. Nor is it an accident that during periods of stress—security threats and demographic change, for example—the latent tension between these strands often reemerges. A reasonable patriotism gives particularity its due without allowing the passions of particularism to drown out the voice of broader civic principles.

There is a difference between cosmopolitanism and universalism. We speak of some principles as universal, meaning that they apply everywhere. But the enjoyment of these principles requires institutions of enforcement, most often situated within particular political communities. In this vein, the U.S. Declaration of Independence attributes certain rights to all human beings but adds immediately that securing these rights requires the establishment of government s . Note the plural: not only will there be a multiplicity of governments, but they may assume a variety of forms, all legitimate as long as they defend rights and rest on the consent of the governed.

As you can see, there is no contradiction, at least at the level of principle, between universal principles of right and patriotic attachment to particular communities. For many Americans and Europeans, in fact, their country’s willingness to defend universal principles intensifies their patriotic pride. Universality denotes the range in which our principles apply; it has nothing to do with the scope of our primary allegiance.

By contrast, there is a contradiction between patriotism and cosmopolitanism. You cannot be simultaneously a citizen of the world and of a particular country, at least in the sense that we must often choose between giving pride of place to humanity as a whole as opposed to some subset of humanity.    

There is a contradiction between patriotism and cosmopolitanism. You cannot be simultaneously a citizen of the world and of a particular country, at least in the sense that we must often choose between giving pride of place to humanity as a whole as opposed to some subset of humanity.

This formulation assumes what some would contest—that the phrase “citizen of the world” has a discernible meaning. In a much-discussed speech, British Prime Minister Theresa May declared that “If you believe you’re a citizen of the world, you’re a citizen of nowhere.” On the surface, this is obviously true, because there is no global entity to be a citizen of . But if we dig a bit deeper, the matter becomes more complicated.

For example, we can observe many kinds of cosmopolitan groups—scientists and mathematicians, for example, whose quest for truth depends on principles of evidence and reason that take no account of political boundaries. As the son of a scientist, I have vivid memories of conferences in which hundreds of colleagues (the term itself is revealing) gathered—it didn’t really matter where—to discuss their latest experiments, wherever they were conducted, on fully common ground. Similarly, I suspect we have all heard of the organization “Doctors without Borders,” which rests on the principle that neither human need nor medical responsibility respects national boundaries.

There is a form of cosmopolitanism, finally, that may be observed among some government officials—the belief that it is their duty to maximize human wellbeing, regardless of the nationality of those who stand to benefit. This global utilitarianism, defended by philosophers such as Peter Singer, shaped the thinking of some officials who successfully urged then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to throw open Britain’s immigration gates after the EU expansion of 2004, without availing himself of the extended phase-in period that the terms of accession permitted. As subsequent events showed, there is a tension between global utilitarianism and the expectation that leaders will give priority to the interests of their own citizens. Indeed, it is hard to imagine a political community in which the belief in the legitimacy of collective self-preference does not hold sway—which is not to say that most citizens attach a weight of zero to the interests of human beings beyond the borders of their community, or that they should do so. Self-preference is one thing, moral obtuseness another.

There is a distinction, on which I need not dwell at length, between liberal and populist democracy. Of late, we have heard much about a “democracy deficit” in the European Union and throughout the West. Unelected bureaucrats and experts, it is alleged, are making decisions over the head and against the will of the people. Populist democrats endorse this complaint, at least in principle, because they believe that all decisions should ultimately be subject to the people’s judgment. The referendum is the purest expression of this conception of democracy.

Liberal democracy, by contrast, distinguishes between decisions that the popular majorities should make, either directly or through their elected representatives, and issues involving rights, which should not be subject to majority will. The defense of fundamental rights and liberties is not evidence of a democracy deficit no matter how intensely popular majorities may resent it. Along with independent civil society, institutions such as constitutional courts give life to democracy, so understood. It is this conception of democracy on which I rely in the remainder of my remarks.

How patriotism can be reasonable

The philosopher Simon Keller argues at length against the proposition that patriotism is “a character trait that the ideal person would possess,” at least if one’s conception of the good or virtuous human being includes a propensity to form and act upon justified belief rather than distorted judgments and illusions. The core of Keller’s thesis is that patriotic attachment leads patriots to deny unflattering truths about their country’s conduct, hence to maintain their attachment in “bad faith.” Patriotism should yield to truth, in short, but it doesn’t.

Keller has put his finger on a dangerous tendency, one that I suspect most of us can feel within ourselves. It is often hard to acknowledge that one’s country has erred, perhaps even committed hideous crimes. Sometimes monsters masquerade as patriots and manipulate patriotic sentiments to serve their own ends.

Just as patriots can go astray, they can also acknowledge their mistakes and do their best to make reparations for them. No one ever accused Ronald Reagan of being deficient in patriotism, but he was the president who formally apologized to Japanese-Americans on behalf of the country for their unjust internment during World War II.

But just as patriots can go astray, they can also acknowledge their mistakes and do their best to make reparations for them. No one ever accused Ronald Reagan of being deficient in patriotism, but he was the president who formally apologized to Japanese-Americans on behalf of the country for their unjust internment during World War II.

In classic Aristotelian fashion, patriotism can be seen as a mean between two extremes—blinding zeal for one’s country at one end of the continuum, culpable indifference or outright hostility at the other. Or, if you prefer, we can see patriotism as a sentiment that needs principled regulation. Carl Schurz, who left Germany for the United States after the failed 1848 revolution, became a Union general during the Civil War and then a U.S. senator. Attacked on the Senate floor as too willing to criticize his adopted country, Schurz replied, “My country, right or wrong: if right, to be kept right; if wrong, to be set right.” This is the voice of the reasonable patriot.

Patriotism does not mean blind fidelity, no matter what. It means, rather, caring enough about one’s country to try to correct it when it goes astray and, when that is not possible, making a difficult choice. A number of non-Jewish German patriots left their country in the 1930s because they could not stand what Hitler was doing to their Jewish fellow-citizens, did not want to be complicit, and hoped to ally themselves with external forces that might eventually bring down Hitler’s evil regime.

In sum: I can believe that my country has made serious mistakes that must be acknowledged and corrected without ceasing to be a patriot. I can believe that my country’s political institutions are evil and need wholesale replacement without ceasing to be a patriot. I can believe that other objects of regard (my conscience, or God) on occasion outrank my country without ceasing to be a patriot. The fact that zealous patriotism can have terrible consequences does not mean that reasonable and moderate patriotism does so.

The fact that zealous patriotism can have terrible consequences does not mean that reasonable and moderate patriotism does so.

Despite these arguments, it is understandable that morally serious people may continue harbor doubts about the intrinsic value of a sentiment that can yield evil. Even so, it is possible to endorse patriotism as an instrumental good—as necessary to the preservation of political communities whose existence makes the human good possible.

Another well-known philosopher, George Kateb, hesitates to take even this step. Patriotism, he argues, is an intellectual mistake because its object, one’s country, is an “abstraction”—that is, a “figment of the imagination.”  Patriotism is a moral mistake because it requires (and tends to create) enemies, exalts a collective form of self-love, and stands opposed to the only justified morality, which is universalist. Individuals and their rights are fundamental; one’s country, he says, is at most a “temporary and contingent stopping point on the way to a federated humanity.”

Intellectuals, especially philosophers, should know better, Kateb insists. Their only ultimate commitment should be to Enlightenment-style independence of mind, not just for themselves, but as an inspiration to all. In this context, “A defense of patriotism is an attack on the Enlightenment.” From this standpoint, it is hard to see how civic virtue can be instrumentally good if the end it serves—the maintenance of one’s particular political community—is intellectually and morally dubious.

But Kateb is too honest an observer of the human condition to go that far. While the existence of multiple political communities guarantees immoral behavior, government is, he acknowledges, not just a regrettable fact but a moral necessity: “By providing security, government makes possible treating other persons morally (and for their own sake).” It would seem to follow that the beliefs and traits of character that conduce to government’s security-providing function are ipso facto instrumentally justified, as civic virtues. That is the basis on which a reasonable patriotism may be defined and defended. Yes, the individual community that makes moral conduct possible is embedded in an international system of multiple competing communities that invites, even requires, immoral behavior. But as Kateb rightly says, rather than positing and acting on a non-existent global community, “One must learn to live with the paradox.”  As long as we must, there will be a place for patriotism.

Isn’t it better to spread, hence mitigate, the threat of tyranny with multiple independent states so that if some go bad, others remain to defend the cause of freedom?

One more step, and I reach the end of this strand of my argument. The existence of multiple political communities is not just a fact that moral argument must take into account; it is preferable to the only non-anarchic alternative—a single global state. Dani Rodrik, a politically astute economist, spells out this case. There are many institutional arrangements, none obviously superior to others, for carrying out essential economic, social, and political functions. But some may be better suited than others to particular local circumstances. Groups will strike varying balances between equality and opportunity, stability and dynamism, security and innovation. In the face of Joseph Schumpeter’s famous description of capitalist markets as “creative destructive,” some groups will embrace the creativity while others shrink from the destruction. All this before we reach divisions of language, history, and religion. Individual countries struggle to contain these differences without repressing them. How likely is it that a single world government could preserve itself without autocracy or worse? Isn’t it better to spread, hence mitigate, the threat of tyranny with multiple independent states so that if some go bad, others remain to defend the cause of freedom?

These questions answer themselves. If the human species best organizes and governs itself in multiple communities, and if each community requires devoted citizens to survive and thrive, then patriotism is not the way-station to the universal state. It is a permanent requirement for the realization of goods that human beings can know only in stable and decent polities.

Why impartiality is not always right

One familiar line of objection to patriotism rests on the premise that partiality is always morally suspect because it violates, or at least abridges, universal norms. By treating equals unequally for morally arbitrary reasons, goes the argument, we give too much weight to some claims and too little to others.

Critics note that patriots are devoted to a particular political order because it is their own and “not only” because it is legitimate. That’s true, but so what? My son happens to be a fine young man; I cherish him for his warm, caring heart, among many other virtues. I also cherish him above other children because he is my own. Am I committing a moral mistake? I would be if my love for my son led me to regard other children with indifference—for example, if I voted against local property taxes because he is no longer of school age. But it is perfectly possible to love one’s own without becoming morally narrow, or unreasonable, let alone irrational.

It is perfectly possible to love one’s own without becoming morally narrow, or unreasonable, let alone irrational. This is so because a certain degree of partiality is both permissible and justified.

This is so because a certain degree of partiality is both permissible and justified. Two philosophers’ examples will make my point. If I’m sunbathing on a beach and hear two young swimmers—my son and someone else—crying out for help, I should want to rescue both if I can. But suppose I can’t. Does anyone really think that I’m obligated to flip a coin to decide which one? On what theory of human existence would that be the right or obligatory thing to do?

But now the second example. As I’m walking my son to school, I see a boy in danger of drowning in the local swimming-hole, where he is unwisely playing hooky. Although I’m pretty sure I can rescue him, it will take time to pull him out, dry him off, calm him down, and return him to his parents. In the process, my son will be late for school and miss an exam he has worked hard to prepare for. Does anyone think that this harm would justify me in turning my back on the drowning boy?

These considerations apply not only to individual agents, but also to governments. There are situations in which one country can prevent a great evil in another, and do so at modest cost to itself. In such circumstances, the good that can be done for distant strangers outweighs the burden of doing it. In this vein, Bill Clinton has said that his failure to intervene against the genocide in Rwanda was the biggest mistake of his presidency.

What’s going on is obvious, I think: in ordinary moral consciousness, both partial and impartial claims have weight, the proper balance between which is determined by facts and circumstances. While it is hard (some would say impossible) to reduce this balance to rules, there is at least a shared framework—based on the urgency and importance of conflicting interests—to guide our reflections. As a rule of thumb, we can presume that because human beings tend too much toward partiality, we should be careful to give non-partial claims their due. But that doesn’t mean that they should always prevail.

Why patriotism is not so different from other loyalties

Sensing the danger of proving too much, the critics of patriotism draw back from the root-and-branch rejection of partiality. Instead, they try to drive a wedge between patriotism and other forms of attachment.

George Kateb does not offer a generalized critique of partial attachments. Instead, he argues, patriotism represents the wrong kind of partiality, because its object—one’s country—is an abstraction, and a misleading one at that. Individuals are real; countries aren’t. Individuals are worthy of special attachments in a way that countries are not. That is why he works so hard to drive a wedge between love of parents and love of country.

A country is, among other things, a place, a language (one’s “mother tongue”), a way of life, and a set of institutions through which collective decisions are made and carried out. One can love these things reasonably, and many do.

I disagree. While love of parents and of country are not the same, it does not follow that one’s country cannot be a legitimate object of affection. To be sure, a country is not a person, but it begs the question to say that love is properly directed only to persons. It abuses neither speech nor sense to say that I love my house and for that reason would feel sorrow and deprivation if disaster forced me to leave it. (I have had such an experience.) A country is, among other things, a place, a language (one’s “mother tongue”), a way of life, and a set of institutions through which collective decisions are made and carried out. One can love these things reasonably, and many do.

Consider immigrants who arrive legally in the U.S. from impoverished and violent lands. Their lives in their new country often are arduous, but they at least enjoy the protection of the laws, the opportunity to advance economically, and the right to participate in choosing their elected officials. Is it unreasonable for them to experience gratitude, affection, and the desire to perform reciprocal service for the country that has given them refuge?

Kateb is clearly right to insist that citizens don’t owe their “coming into being” to their country in the way that children owe their existence to their parents. But here again, his conclusion does not follow from his premise. Surely we can love people who are not responsible for our existence: parents love their children, husbands their wives. Besides, refugees may literally owe their continuing existence to countries that offer them sanctuary from violence. Is it less reasonable and proper to love the institutions that save our life than the individuals who give us life?

As another philosopher, Eamonn Callan, has suggested, if patriotism is love of country, then the general features of love are likely to illuminate this instance of it. Among his key points: “love can be admirable when directed to objects whose value is severely compromised and admirable then not despite but because of the compromised value.”  An example of this is the love of parents for an adult child who has committed a serious crime, a bond that demonstrates the virtues of constancy and loyalty. This does not mean that parents are free to deny the reality of their child’s deeds or to make up bogus excuses for them. To do that would be to surrender both intellectual and moral integrity. But to say that parental love risks crossing the line in these ways is not to say that parents are required to turn their backs on criminals who happen to be their children, or to cease all efforts to reform them. (Nor is it to fault parents who have wrenchingly concluded that they must cut these ties.)

Conclusion: the last full measure of devotion

There is one more objection to my conception of reasonable patriotism: it is irrational to choose a life that puts you at heightened risk of dying for your country. The objector may say that there is nothing worth dying for, a proposition I reject. More often, the suggestion is that even if there are things that warrant the sacrifice of one’s life (one’s children, for example), one’s country is not in this category. Children are concrete and innocent, while countries are abstract (“imagined communities,” in Benedict Anderson’s phrase) and problematic.

Must a political community be morally unblemished to be worth killing or dying for? The United States was a deeply flawed nation when it went to war after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The servicemen on the Normandy beaches harbored none of the dulce et decorum est illusions that led young Englishmen to welcome the outbreak of the first world war; the GIs fought against pure evil in the name of a partial good. They were neither wrong nor deceived to do so, or so I believe.

Suppose one’s country is attacked and thousands of fellow-citizens die. Is everything done in response an expression of delusion? Not at all: some reactions are necessary and justified; others are excessive and illegitimate. I favored retaliation against the Taliban, which asked some Americans to kill and die for their country. Most Americans agreed, and I think we were right. Attacking those who did not attack us was—and is—another matter altogether.

As long as we have multiple communities, and as long as evil endures, citizens will face choices they would rather avoid, and patriotism will be a necessary virtue.

Lurking behind the critique of patriotism is the longing for an unattainable moral purity in politics. I take my stand with Max Weber, with the ethic of responsibility that embraces the necessary moral costs of maintaining our collective existence—all the more so when our government rests on the consent of the governed. It is only within decent political communities that citizens can hope to practice the ordinary morality we rightly cherish. As long as we have multiple communities, and as long as evil endures, citizens will face choices they would rather avoid, and patriotism will be a necessary virtue.

Governance Studies

Jonathan Katz, Lily Conway, Norman Eisen, Robin J. Lewis, Andrii Borovyk, Josh Rudolph

April 19, 2024

Elaine Kamarck, Jordan Muchnick

Russell Wheeler

April 18, 2024

Essay on Patriotism in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Essay on Patriotism: Patriotism can be defined as one’s love and loyalty for his country. Many people dedicate their lives to serving their nation. These people are referred to as patriots. The feeling of patriotism brings people closer. It must be promoted for the betterment of the country as well as the people residing there. Patriotism means having love and devotion for one’s country. Those who are true patriots work towards building their nation in whichever way they can. Here are essays on Patriotism of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any Patriotism essay as per your interest:

Long and Short Essay on Patriotism in English

Patriotism is the deep affection, dedication, and backing for one’s own nation. A patriot is someone who deeply cares for their country and is ready to do anything to help it. It’s important for each of us to have this sentiment within us. In the past, before our country gained independence, there were true patriots who also happened to be our freedom fighters, and they courageously fought for our nation’s liberty.

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Short Essay on Patriotism 200 words

Patriotism is putting the interest of one’s country first, working for its development and sacrificing for it if need. Many people think that patriotism is all about laying one’s life for his/ her country but it does not necessarily mean that. It means living for the betterment of the country, serving it in every possible way and willing to sacrifice one’s life whenever there is a need.

Many people in the past have served their countries and even laid their lives for it. Many people still continue to serve their country with as much devotion. Indian freedom fighters were filled with the feeling of patriotism. They did not care about themselves and worked selflessly for the nation. Even today, many people are dedicated towards serving the nation in whatever way they can. However, the feeling of patriotism is slowly fading. The youth today does not feel as strongly for his country as people of the earlier generations felt.

The elderly people must make an effort to instill the feeling of patriotism in their children. Institutions such as schools and colleges must also promote the same. The youth of the country must love and respect the country and work towards building it strong.

Short Essay on Patriotism 300 words

Patriotism is the feeling of love and respect for one’s country. Patriots are known to love their country unconditionally and are proud of it. Every country in the world has its set of patriots – people who are ready to do anything for their country. However, the spirit of patriotism seems to be fading these days owing to the growing competition in every field as well as the changing lifestyle of people.

The Feeling of Patriotism must be Instilled

In the past, particularly during the British reign, many people came forward to instill the feeling of patriotism among their fellow countrymen. Patriots held meetings, gave lectures and used various other means to inspire the people around them. In the same way, a feeling of patriotism must be instilled in the young generation today too. This must be done when they are still young. Schools and colleges must take initiative to instill children with a feeling of love and respect for their country. Many institutions host functions and organize events on 15 th August and 26 th January. Patriotic songs are sung and a feeling of patriotism seems to engulf the entire nation around that time. But is this real patriotism? No! Such an atmosphere must be created in general and not just around these special dates. It is then that such a feeling will be instilled in the heart of every citizen forever.

A nation where the youth loves the country and is driven towards improving its condition socially and economically would certainly grow better.

A true patriot is the one who works hard for the betterment of his country. He contributes his bit towards improving the condition of his country in whatever way he can. A true patriot does not only work towards building his nation but also inspires those around him to do so.

Long Essay on Patriotism 400 words

The feeling of patriotism means having the feeling of immense love for ones country. There have been a number of patriots in our country in the past and there are many present today. However, the feeling of patriotism among the people of India could especially be seen during the British reign.

Famous Indian Patriots

Here is a look at some of the true patriots during the British reign:

• Shaheed Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh is known to be a true patriot. He was driven towards freeing our country from the clutches of the British government. He participated in various freedom struggles and began a revolution. He was so dedicated towards his mission that he did not think twice before sacrificing his life for his motherland. He proved to be an inspiration for numerous citizens.

• Subhash Chandra Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose, better known as Netaji, took active part in India’s freedom struggle. He was known for his strong ideologies. Besides being a part of various freedom movements to drive the British out of the country, Bose also promoted Hindu-Muslim unity.

• Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak

Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak was infused with the feeling of patriotism. His saying, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” showed how determined he was in freeing the country from the tyranny of the British rulers. He condemned the British government for its brutal treatment. He demanded right to self government for the people of India.

• Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi

His contribution towards India’s freedom struggle is known to all. He led the maximum number of freedom movements against the British. He was a perfect example of “simple living high thinking”. He dreamt of India’s freedom and worked hard towards achieving the same in his own unique way.

• Sarojni Naidu

Sarojini Naidu, a famous singer of her times, was also a patriot at heart. She participated in the freedom struggle and contributed her bit towards freeing the country from the British rule. She played a vital role in the Civil Disobedience Movement because of which she even got arrested along with other prominent freedom fighters. She was also arrested during the Quit India movement but this did not dither her feeling of patriotism for her country.

The citizens of India must be inspired to serve the country in whatever way they can. The government, schools and other institutions must take initiative to enlighten the spirit of patriotism among the citizens.

Long Essay on Patriotism 500 words

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it” said Mark Twain. Patriotism is all about loving and respecting ones country and working towards its betterment. People must join hands with the government and other institutions to work in this direction.

Patriotism is Fading with Time

Patriotism is fading with the passage of time. It is hardly seen in the younger generation these days. This is because people these days have become too engrossed in their own lives. They are also becoming more and more selfish. A selfish person is one who always thinks about himself and keeps his interests above everything and everyone around him. On the other hand, patriotism is all about loving one’s own country selflessly. A person who is too engrossed in himself and gives immense importance to himself and his needs can never be a patriot. The growing competition these days has also contributed a lot to it.

Each individual is busy making money to make his life more and more comfortable and better than those around him. There is hardly any room to think about anything else in such a scenario. Love for the country and serving the country is almost a forgotten concept these days. Instead of working towards the betterment of one’s country and contributing in its development the youth today is migrating to other countries in search of better lifestyle. If the mindset of people had been same around 100 years back, they would have never united and fought for the freedom of the country. They would have only looked for their own selfish motifs in that situation.

True Patriot Vs. False Patriot

While many people claimed to be patriots during the British reign few among them were false patriots who took advantage of the situation to further their own selfish motives. Even today there are many people who truly love and respect their country while some only pretend to do so. A true patriot is one who is dedicated towards serving his nation. He puts the interest of his country and countrymen first and is willing to sacrifice everything for the betterment of his country. On the other hand, false patriot is one who claims to love his country and shows that he is a patriot while in public. However, he does so for his own gain and does not actually possess these feelings.

Patriotism Vs. Nationalism

The terms nationalism and patriotism are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. Patriotism means being proud of one’s nation for its positive points and working towards its betterment. On the other hand, nationalism means being proud of one’s nation regardless of its positive and negative points. While patriotism is good, nationalism is considered irrational and spiteful.

Patriotism is inborn in some while it can be instilled in the others. The feeling of patriotism is required for the betterment and development of a country. It also brings people of a country closer and helps them experience the love and joy of sharing and caring.

Long Essay on Patriotism 600 words

Patriotism is one of the purest feelings in the world. A patriot feels selflessly for his country. He keeps his country’s interests and well-being above his own. He is ready to sacrifice for his country without thinking twice.

Patriotism is a Virtue Everyone Must Possess

Our country is also referred to as our motherland and we must love it the way we love our mother. Those who feel the same love and devotion for their country as they feel for their mother and family are known to be true patriots. Patriotism is a virtue that every individual must possess. A country full of patriots certainly makes a better place to live compared to the one where people are fighting with each other in the name of religion, caste, creed and other issues. A place where people have collective interests and mission would certainly have lesser conflicts. Here is why everyone must possess the virtue of patriotism:

• Nation Building

When everyone is dedicated towards building the nation strong in every aspect, there is no way that country wouldn’t grow and develop. Patriots put the nation’s interest above their own and work with devotion for its betterment.

• Maintaining Peace and Harmony

A good nation is one where peace and harmony is maintained at all times. People have a feeling of brotherhood and help and support each other. The feeling of patriotism is known to promote the feeling of brotherhood among one’s countrymen.

• Working for a Common Goal

Patriots work for a common goal and that is for the betterment of their country. When everyone is driven towards a common goal or mission there is no way it cannot be achieved.

• No Selfish Motives

Patriots work selflessly for their country without any individual interest. If everyone possesses the feeling of patriotism and does not think about gratifying his/ her individual interest, there will be benefits certainly to the country.

• No corruption

If political leaders have a feeling of patriotism, they will work for the country unlike the present scenario where in those in power are busy making money for themselves rather than working for the upliftment of the country. Similarly, if the government officials and other citizens of the country are determined towards serving the nation rather than making quick money or getting quick services for themselves, the level of corruption will fall.

Patriotism Must Not Turn Into Chauvinism

Being patriotic is a great virtue. We must love and respect our country and serve it in whatever way we can. The positive points of possessing feeling of patriotism shared above show how it can help the country prosper and grow. However, some people take this love for their country to the next level. Excess love for one’s country and believing that your country is superior and important is termed as chauvinism. As excess of everything is bad so is excess love for one’s country. Chauvinists’ strong belief in their country’s ideologies and irrational belief of superiority of its own people creates a feeling of hatred for others. This often instigates conflicts and war amid countries thereby disrupting peace and harmony.

There have been several instances in the past wherein chauvinism has resulted in unnecessary conflicts turning into riots. There is a very thin line between patriotism and chauvinism. While patriotism is healthy, chauvinism is fanatic and irrational. People must ensure that their devotion and love towards their country does not turn into chauvinism over the time.

Love for one’s native land is the purest form of love. A person who is ready to sacrifice his own interests for his/ her country deserves a salute. Each country in the world needs more and more people who possess this feeling.

Essay on Patriotism FAQs

What is patriotism in an essay.

Patriotism in an essay means writing about love and loyalty to one's country.

What is important patriotism?

Important patriotism is about caring for your country, showing respect, and being proud of its values and history.

Why one should be patriotic in 5 sentences?

Being patriotic is essential because it fosters unity, defends freedom, honors sacrifices, promotes peace, and strengthens a sense of belonging.

What is patriotism class 9?

In class 9, patriotism is often taught as the love and devotion towards one's own nation.

Why is patriotism important in English?

Patriotism is important in English as it helps express feelings of love and loyalty towards one's country.

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Essay on Patriotism | Importance | Concept | 100, 150, 200, 300 & 500 Words

Patriotism is a word that gives rise to the feelings of love and respect for one’s country. It is an emotion that can be felt by people of all ages or social statuses. Whether it’s singing the national anthem at a sports event or hoisting the flag on Independence Day, patriotism is an essential part of our lives. Let’s see 5 amazing examples of essay on patriotism.

Essay on Patriotism – 100 + Words

Patriotism is the feeling of love and loyalty for our country. It connects us to our nation. When we are patriotic, we care about our country’s well-being. Patriots help their country make progress. Being patriotic means respecting our flag. It also means appreciating our culture. Being a patriot also means being proud of our country’s achievements. Patriots work together to overcome challenges of any nation. Patriotism teaches us to be responsible citizens. It is a value that should be nourished and celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds. Patriotism is a feeling we should all aim for. We can show it in different ways, like going to national events or supporting those in need. It’s our duty as citizens to join hands and safeguard our country’s values and freedoms, so that future generations can benefit from them.

Essay on Patriotism | All Class | 150 + Words

Patriotism is a special feeling of love and loyalty towards our own country. It means caring deeply about our nation and wanting to make it better. Being patriotic is like having a strong bond with our mother . We show our love for our country by respecting our flag, appreciating our history, and valuing our traditions. Patriotism is not just for certain groups of people, it is something that everyone can feel. It reminds us to be proud of our country’s achievements and to work together to overcome challenges. When we are patriotic, we understand that we have a responsibility to contribute our part to the progress of our nation. Furthermore, patriotism inspires us to stand up for what is right and just for the good of our country. When faced with challenges or threats to our nation’s safety, patriotism motivates us to act and defend it. In conclusion, patriotism is being patriotic means loving and supporting our nation, and it is something that anyone can embrace.

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Essay on Patriotism | All Class | 200 + Words

Patriotism is the expression of love and devotion towards one’s country. It is the reflection of pride that we feel for our nation and its rich heritage as citizens. When we are patriotic, we deeply care about our country’s well-being and want to make it a better place. Patriotism is not just a word, it’s an emotion that connects us to our nation. It’s the feeling of pride we get when we see our flag flying high. We are filled with respect when we listen to our national anthem being played. Patriotism is important because it gives us a sense of identity and purpose. We become invested in our country’s future and work towards making it better for ourselves and generations to come. Patriotism also promotes unity among people from different backgrounds All people living in a country share a common love for their country. Furthermore, patriotism inspires us to stand up for what is right and just for the good of our country. When faced with challenges or threats to our nation’s safety, patriotism motivates us to take action and defend it. Patriotism motivates us to protect the rights and freedoms that our nation stands for. It inspires us to be good global citizens and to represent our country with dignity and respect. In summary, patriotism is an important quality that unites us as a nation. Let’s welcome patriotism and work hard to improve our country for future generations.

Essay for Patriotism

  When we think of the importance of patriotism, four kinds of people haunt our mind. People of the first kind are those who are chauvinists. They are obsessed with the idea of patriotism. They are practically fascists like Hitler and Mussolini. Such people may be imperialistic like Churchill. The second kind of people is traitors like Quisling. But unlike Quisling, such people generally remain hidden under the surface. Many of them may pose to be great patriots but actually they may be outright traitors. The third kind of people may be just indifferent to the idea of patriotism and they may maintain this indifferent attitude at all times even in the times of calamities and natural disasters. The fourth kind of people, who may be the commonest, may be of the type who remain indifferent to the idea generally but rise to occasion in time of war, floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and famines or other disasters and national calamities. To these kinds may be added a fifth kind. Such people may be more dangerous and treacherous than ordinary traitors. These are the people who engage themselves in antinational activities such as terrorism, communalism, fake currency making, scams, smug selling sensitive military and other information to the enemies of the country, etc.  We must bear in mind that the nation whose people do not have the spirit of patriotism in them, will just disintegrate sooner or later, we must bow to our country which is our motherland where we are born and which supplies us everything we need.  The man who does not love his country is just a dead soul as Sir Walter Scott has said:-

`Breathes there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said?  “This is my own, my native land!”

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Essay on Patriotism | all Class | 300 + Words

Patriotism is not just a word, it’s an emotion that fills our hearts with pride and love for our country. It serves as an inspiration to people all around the world who share similar feelings towards their homeland. It’s not about blind loyalty or following the government blindly, but rather it means to appreciate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Patriotism also means standing up for what is right for your country. There have been several patriots who came before us and to work towards creating a better future for generations after us. Being patriotic is important because it instills a sense of unity among citizens of a country. Patriotism also helps in preserving national identity and culture. By celebrating traditions and customs unique to our country, we can embrace diversity while still maintaining a strong sense of belonging. Moreover, patriotism promotes accountability among leaders. When citizens demand change or improvement in their society, they do so out of love for their country and its people. There are certain ways in which we can express ourselves as great patriots. One way to show patriotism is by serving in the military or working for the betterment of society. Another way to express patriotism is by respecting national symbols like flags, anthems, and monuments. It is important to remember that patriotism should never be used as an excuse for hatred towards other countries or cultures. True patriots are those who celebrate diversity and promote unity among their fellow citizens. As citizens of our respective countries, it is essential to understand how our actions impact others around us. We must strive towards creating a peaceful environment where everyone can live together harmoniously without any discrimination based on caste, creed, race, or religion. Whether we are students, teachers, doctors, or farmers, we all can be patriotic and contribute in our ways. It can be through small acts of kindness, volunteering for community service, or actively participating in the democratic process. It’s also important to acknowledge that patriotism can bring unity amongst people who share similar values and beliefs. It may also divide those who don’t agree with each other politically or socially. Therefore, any discussion on patriotism must consider the diverse perspectives of different groups. In conclusion, being patriotic means loving your country wholeheartedly but at the same time respecting other cultures and people around you. Let us all become true patriots by working together to make this world a better place

Essay on Patriotism- 500 + Words

Patriotism, a word that carries immense significance and pride in one’s nation. It is more than just waving flags or singing national anthems; it is an emotion that ignites the fire of love for our country within us. Patriotism comes in many forms and shapes, ranging from acts of sacrifice to simply respecting the laws and institutions of our land. Through this essay on patriotism, we will dive deeper into what patriotism means to us, its importance, benefits, types, and how we can express it in our everyday lives.

What is patriotism?

Patriotism is the devotion and love one feels for their country. It is a deep-rooted emotion that inspires individuals to take pride in their nation’s culture, history, and achievements. Patriotism can be expressed in various ways, from serving in the military to simply following traffic rules. At its core, patriotism is about acknowledging and respecting the values that our country stands for. It means putting aside our individual interests for the greater good of society. Being patriotic doesn’t mean blindly following everything our government does; it means holding them accountable when they fail to uphold those values. Patriotism also involves recognizing and celebrating diversity within our communities while still uniting under a common identity as citizens of a particular country. By embracing each other’s differences, we can work towards creating an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected. Patriotism isn’t just about loving your country; it’s about actively working towards making it better. Whether through community service or political activism, every person has a role to play in building a healthier, more prosperous nation.

Definition of patriotism

Patriotism can be defined as the love and devotion that a person has towards their country. It involves recognizing the value and importance of one’s country, its culture, traditions, history, and people. Patriotism is also about showing respect for the symbols and institutions of one’s nation. However, there are different perspectives on what patriotism truly means. Some view it as blind loyalty to one’s government or political leaders while others see it as standing up against injustices perpetrated by those in power. Regardless of how it is interpreted, patriotism plays a significant role in shaping national identity and fostering social cohesion among citizens. It inspires individuals to contribute positively to their communities through acts of service, volunteerism, or civic engagement. In essence, patriotism should be viewed not only as an emotional attachment but also an active commitment towards making society better for all citizens.

The different types of patriotism

Patriotism can take on different forms depending on the individual and their beliefs. Some may express it through their love for their country’s history and culture, while others may show it by serving in the military or community. One type of patriotism is civic patriotism, which involves a commitment to upholding the values and principles of one’s country, such as democracy, freedom, and justice. It often entails being an active participant in society by voting, volunteering, or speaking out against injustice. Another form of patriotism is cultural patriotism which focuses on celebrating and preserving a country’s unique traditions, customs, arts & literature. This kind of Patriotism highlights the importance placed upon language, symbols, and art that have helped shape national identity over time. Militaristic patriotism typically centers around supporting military action taken by one’s government in order to protect its citizens from foreign threats or enemies. This kind of Patriotism has more direct connections with armed forces because they are seen as protecting one’s homeland from external dangers.

The importance of patriotism

Patriotism is an essential aspect of any nation’s culture and identity. It helps to create a sense of unity and belonging among citizens, which is crucial for the development and progress of any country. Patriotism also plays a vital role in promoting national values, traditions, and ideals. One significant importance of patriotism is that it fosters national unity among citizens. When people feel proud to be part of their country, they tend to work towards its prosperity with zeal and enthusiasm. This results in social cohesion, which leads to the stability necessary for sustained growth. Another critical importance of patriotism is that it promotes respect for national institutions such as the government, military forces, judiciary systems etc. Such collective admiration fosters trust among citizens in these institutions resulting in better governance, security as well as law enforcement within state borders. Furthermore, patriotism encourages individuals to participate actively in civic duties such as voting during elections. It emphasizes on citizen participation not only during elections but other forms like volunteering or serving on community boards. This creates trust between governments and citizens leading to stronger democracies where people have more power over decision-making processes. While patriotism has its flaws when taken too far; it serves primarily important roles within nations by fostering loyalty, respect, and appreciation from people living there. Such virtues promote shared goals resulting in peaceful coexistence amongst all groups living within the state borders.

The benefits of patriotism

Patriotism may seem like an abstract concept, but it actually has tangible benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. Here are some of the advantages that come with being patriotic: Firstly, patriotism fosters a sense of unity and belonging among citizens. When people feel connected to their country and its values, they are more likely to work together towards common goals. This can lead to stronger communities, better governance and ultimately, a more prosperous nation. Secondly, patriotism instills a sense of pride in one’s heritage and culture. By celebrating the unique aspects of their country’s history and traditions, citizens can develop a greater appreciation for diversity while also preserving their own identity. Thirdly, patriotism encourages civic engagement and participation in public life. When people care about what happens in their community or country they’re motivated to participate in democracy through voting or volunteering which is essential for maintaining healthy democracies. Studies have shown that patriotic individuals tend to have higher levels of well-being than those who lack national pride. This could be because feeling rooted in something larger than oneself provides comfort during difficult times. In short , Patriotism brings many individual benefits such as fostering unity, bolstering self-esteem, civic duty, and improved well-being

How to Express Patriotism

Expressing patriotism is a personal choice that can take many forms. One way to express patriotism is by flying the flag of your country outside your house or on your car. This simple act shows everyone that you are proud of where you come from and support its values. Another way to express patriotism is by participating in community events such as parades or festivals celebrating national holidays. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride for their shared heritage. Furthermore, supporting local businesses and products made in your home country can also be viewed as a form of patriotism. By choosing to buy locally-made goods, you are contributing to the growth and success of your nation’s economy. Additionally, volunteering for causes that support veterans, first responders, or other public servants who risk their lives for the safety and well-being of others can show gratitude towards those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Expressing patriotism doesn’t have to be grandiose gestures; it can be small actions that reflect one’s love and appreciation for their homeland.

What patriotism means to me

Patriotism means different things to different people, and for me, it’s all about love for my country. It’s the feeling of pride that comes with being a part of something bigger than myself – a nation with its own unique culture, history, and values. To me, patriotism is also about responsibility. As citizens, we have a duty to contribute positively to our society and work towards making it better for future generations. This could mean volunteering in our communities or getting involved in politics to help shape policies that benefit everyone. Another aspect of patriotism that resonates with me is the idea of unity. Despite our differences in race, religion or political beliefs, we are all united by our love for this country. Patriotism reminds us that we are stronger when we stand together as one nation under God. Patriotism inspires gratitude within me – gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who came before us to secure the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. It motivates me to do my part in preserving these rights and ensuring they remain available for generations to come. Patriotism is more than just waving flags on Independence Day or singing national anthems; it’s an enduring commitment towards building a better tomorrow while honoring our past heritage.

How to express patriotism

Expressing patriotism can be as simple as displaying the national flag on special occasions or singing the national anthem with pride. However, there are other ways you can show your love for your country. Firstly, being an active and responsible citizen is a great way to express patriotism. This includes paying taxes, obeying laws, and participating in community service activities. Secondly, supporting local businesses and products can also be seen as a form of patriotism. By doing so, you are contributing to the growth of your country’s economy. Thirdly, educating yourself about your country’s history and culture is vital in expressing patriotism. Knowing about significant events that shaped the nation and celebrating cultural festivals helps promote unity among citizens. Spreading positivity about your country through social media platforms or personal interactions also shows how much you care for it. Highlight its achievements and progress as well as acknowledge its shortcomings while striving towards positive change. Expressing patriotism goes beyond just waving flags or reciting anthems; it requires one to actively participate in building a better nation.

Patriotism is a vital element that every citizen of any country should embrace. It brings about unity, helps us to appreciate our heritage and culture, and motivates us to work towards the development of our nation. Patriotism instills in us the sense of responsibility and encourages us to contribute towards making our nation a better place for ourselves and future generations. As citizens, we must strive to promote harmony amongst fellow nationals irrespective of their religion, race or background. Therefore, let’s all express patriotism through various means such as volunteering for community service projects or actively participating in national events. Let’s take pride in our country by promoting peace and unity wherever we find ourselves. Ultimately it is up to each individual patriot to decide how they want their love for their country expressed but always remember that expressing patriotism goes beyond just words – it requires actions.

1.What does patriotism imply in everyday life? Ans : Patriotism manifests in various ways in everyday life. Here are some examples of what patriotism implies in our daily lives: 1) Being patriotic means understanding and following the laws of our country. It implies that we respect the rules and regulations set forth by our government and strive to be law-abiding citizens. 2) Patriotism involves actively participating in civic duties. This can include voting in elections, voicing our opinions on important matters, and staying informed about current events. By engaging in these activities, we contribute to the democratic process and help shape the future of our country. 3) Patriotism extends to our local communities. It implies being actively involved in community service, volunteering, and supporting local initiatives. By giving back to our community, we contribute to its well-being and foster a sense of unity among its members. 4) Patriotism implies embracing the diversity that exists within our country. It means treating all individuals with respect and fairness, regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, or beliefs. By promoting inclusivity, we strengthen the fabric of our society and work towards a more harmonious nation. In essence, patriotism in everyday life means being an active and engaged citizen who contributes positively to the betterment of our country. It involves upholding the values, principles, and responsibilities that come with being a member of our nation.

2. How is patriotism much better than nationalism? Even though nationalism is a negative concept, why do people follow it? Ans : Patriotism and nationalism are two related but distinct concepts, and their differences lie in their underlying principles and implications. While patriotism can be seen as a positive and inclusive love for one’s country, nationalism often carries more negative connotations and can lean towards exclusionary and aggressive tendencies. Patriotism, at its core, represents a deep love, pride, and loyalty towards one’s own country. It emphasizes a sense of belonging and a desire to contribute to the well-being of the nation. nationalism tends to focus on the superiority and interests of one’s nation over others. It can lead to an exclusionary mindset, fostering divisions and animosity towards those who are perceived as different. Nationalism often prioritizes the pursuit of power and dominance, potentially leading to aggression, discrimination, and conflict. Despite the negative aspects associated with nationalism, some people may still follow it for various reasons. These reasons can include historical factors, a sense of collective identity, economic concerns, or political manipulation. Nationalism can sometimes be used as a tool by individuals or groups to exploit emotions, promote divisive ideologies, or gain power. Additionally, people might be influenced by cultural conditioning, social pressures, or a lack of exposure to alternative perspectives.

3. How important are nationalism and patriotism to having a better nation? Ans : Nationalism and patriotism are important for building a better nation because they foster unity, promote development, and contribute to social stability. They instill a sense of pride and collective identity among citizens, motivating them to work together for their country’s progress. Nationalism and patriotism also help preserve a nation’s cultural heritage and encourage civic responsibility. However, it is important to promote a balanced and inclusive form of nationalism and patriotism that respects diversity and promotes global cooperation.

4. Why is nationalism better than pseudo-liberalism? Ans : Nationalism and pseudo-liberalism are different concepts, so it is not accurate to say one is better than the other. However, pseudo-liberalism, which is an extreme form of liberalism, can have negative consequences. It may prioritize individual freedoms without considering the well-being of society as a whole. In contrast, nationalism, when expressed positively and inclusively, can foster unity and collective progress. It promotes social cohesion and a commitment to the nation. Striving for a balanced approach that respects both individual rights and the needs of the community is important.

5. Which is better for a state, patriotism or nationalism? Ans : Patriotism, with its emphasis on love and loyalty towards one’s country while respecting diversity, is generally considered better for a state than extreme nationalism. Patriotism promotes unity, civic responsibility, and a strong society, while extreme nationalism can lead to divisions and conflicts. Striking a balance and promoting a healthy form of patriotism allows for a united and inclusive state that values cooperation and respects individual rights.

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Essay on Patriotism

Patriotism is identified by a sense of responsibility and love towards the motherland and fellow citizens. The principle of service before self is eccentric to patriotism.

Short and Long Essays on Patriotism in English

I am giving below three essays of different word lengths for my readers.

Patriotism Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) The feeling of love and respect for the country and its people is called patriotism.

2) A patriotic is a person that always chooses the nation before everything.

3) Patriotism is the devotion and attachment to the nation.

4) A true patriot can even sacrifice his life for the country.

5) Patriotism is a feeling that encourages people to contribute to the nation.

6) Honesty, bravery, and courage can be found in a patriotic person.

7) Patriotism is helpful in a country’s development and growth.

8) Patriotic citizen is respected everywhere.

9) Soldiers are the true patriot of our nation.

10) Patriotism helps to establish peace and harmony in society.

Essay 1 (250 Words) – What is Patriotism and its Significance

Introduction

Patriotism is a feeling that encourages service to the motherland as the utmost priority. Responsibility for the nation becomes more significant than one’s own personal life or issues. Patriotism in one line could be expressed as ‘service before self’ where service refers to the ‘service to the nation.’

Identifiers of Patriotism

There are some certain identifiers of patriotism. They are clear signs indicating the existence of patriotism in a person or in a community. Some of the most prominent identifiers are listed below –

• Unconditional love for the nation.
• A general concern for the state of fellow citizens.
• Zeal to protect the nation from external threats as well as internal conflicts.
• Unity among the masses belonging to different backgrounds, keeping in mind the larger interest of the nation.
• A sense of accountability to the state of the nation.
• A sense of service towards the nation and its people.
• Upholding the principles of democracy and the rights of fellow citizens at all costs.

Significance of Patriotism

Patriotism is an important prerequisite for the progress of a nation, more significantly so for a nation as culturally diverse as India. It is patriotism that unites Indians belonging to different religions and cultures and compels them to work for the overall good of the nation and its people.

Patriotism unites people, who keep service to the nation before self and protect the rights of each other, upholding the principles of democracy.

Patriotism is at the core of national development. It unites people to defend their nation and also to work for its growth and prosperity.

Essay 2 (300 – 400 Words) – Patriotism and its Examples

The word ‘patriotism’ had been eccentric to the Indian freedom struggle, even long before that. It was patriotism that had united people from different backgrounds together. In this essay we will understand a simple definition of patriotism; some examples of patriotism and its significance.

Patriotism in Simple Words

In simple words, patriotism is a sense of responsibility, love, and respect towards one’s nation. It is also identified by a sense of unity as well as concern for other citizens. A patriot puts the nation first, before his/her own issues. It is identified by a deep sense of duty towards the nation even above self.

Examples of Patriotism

Indian freedom struggle is the best example of patriotism. When East India came to India, the latter was a disintegrated group of small to large kingdoms, having their own governance and rules.

Subsequent British atrocities and unjust trade policies instilled unrest among the original inhabitants of the continent. This unrest consequently led to a territorial unity arising more out of the need of the time than anything else.

Kingdoms and their subjects knew that they have to stay united if they ever have to fight the British out of their land. This developed the concept of one nation that is India and zeal to defend her freedom and the right of her inhabitants. This feeling of risking ones’ own life for the freedom of the nation and her people is nothing but patriotism.

The history of Indian freedom struggle is replete with many patriots who never gave it a second thought before sacrificing their lives and belongings for the freedom of the motherland.

Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai are few patriotic names that have given their all to the service of the nation.

Modern Day Patriotism

Patriotism today has become a broader concept than it was a century before. Today, patriotism is in participating in national development and taking part in national festivals, enthusiastically. It is not necessarily identified by fighting for the nation and for the rights of its people, but also by working for its improvement and ensuring the prevalence of democracy.

Patriotism is an essential requirement for democracy to be established and for it to be successful. India is a perfect example of how patriotism acts as the binding principle between different communities, who together participate in nation-building keeping the interest of the nation before self.

Essay 3 (500 – 600 Words) – Types and Qualities of Patriotism

Patriotism is a sense of love for one’s motherland and ethnic roots. There is much similarity between patriotism and nationalism, but the former includes a patriotic and unconditional love for the motherland. It is an ideology that inspires citizens to defend their motherland till their last breath.

Types of Patriotism

There are primarily two types of patriotism namely, blind patriotism and constructive patriotism, that we will discuss now.

• Blind Patriotism

Blind patriotism is identified by a strong and assertive love for the nation and heritage, often compromising with human rights. Let us understand it with a simple example – Self-declared patriotic groups harassing couples at market places and parks, in the name of preserving the conservative culture of the land, is an example of blind patriotism. People of groups with blind patriotism; tend to think that their ideology is in the best interest of the nation, even if it sidelines the basic principles of democracy and human rights.

• Constructive Patriotism

Unlike blind patriotism, constructive patriotism has democratic principles at its core. There is a feeling of oneness and a sense of responsibility towards fellow citizens. There is also an urge to contribute to the nation’s progress and growth as well as its safety. The concept of constructive patriotism is to put the interest of the nation before self. It is constructive patriotism that compels a soldier to defend his/her national borders as a primary duty. His/her own family comes after the service to the nation and its safety.

Qualities of Patriotism

There are few qualities of patriotism that are evident in the person or in the society. When we talk about the qualities of patriotism, it must be kept in mind that it is constructive patriotism that we are talking about. Following are some of the qualities of patriotism –

• Love for the nation

Patriotism includes an undeniable love for the nation. There is a visible zeal in the person or community, for doing something for their motherland. It could be anything from defending territories to helping fellow citizens to take part in national activities.

• Concern for Fellow Citizens

This is also an important quality of patriotism identified by a sense of responsibility and accountability towards fellow citizens. For example, a soldier defends the boundaries keeping in mind that he/she is defending the millions of families of fellow citizens. Similarly, a patriot will always long for helping fellow citizens in need. There is a general sense that the nation is not separate from its inhabitants and the interest of both needs to be protected.

• Sense of Sacrifice

This is indeed the most important characteristic of patriotism. A true patriot never hesitates in sacrificing his/her own life to the service of the nation. There is even a sense of pride in sacrificing all for the nation. Patriots don’t repent their losses; rather they derive pleasure from the sacrifices.

• Taking part in nation-building

You don’t necessarily need to be a soldier or a revolutionary to be a patriot. You can be a simple citizen engaged in his/her day to day activities, yet be patriotic. If you take part in nation-building activities, participate in national festivals, keeping always the growth of the nation and concern for fellow citizens, you too are very much a patriot.

Patriotism must be viewed together with unity, love for the nation and citizens, and also an urge to do something for the nation. It is not a separate entity but the inclusion of many nationalistic feelings and activities with the interest of the nation and its people at the core.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans . The word patriotism has been derived from the Latin word ‘Patria’ that means country.

Ans . We should stand in attention whenever national anther is sung.

Ans . We can show love to our country by becoming good and responsible citizens of the nation.

Ans . East Germany is stated as the least patriotic country in the world.

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The Politics of Pessimism

Why so many American leaders are advancing a new kind of nihilism

It had been clear for years that China was rising and rising—building rail lines and airports and skyscrapers at a rate that put the United States to shame, purchasing the favor of poorer countries, filling the world with its wares—when, in April 2014, I happened upon a bit of news. CNBC , citing a “new study from the world’s leading statistical agencies,” reported that China’s rapidly growing economy would rank first in the world, surpassing the United States’, by as soon as the end of the year. Our century-plus reign as the world’s wealthiest nation was over, or about to be. What a run we’d had!

But the study, which used debatable methodology, turned out to be wrong. It interested me less than something else I learned when I began poking around the internet to put it in some sort of context. I discovered that most Americans thought that China already had become our economic superior. And they’d thought that—erroneously—for several years.

In 2011, Gallup polled Americans on the question of whether the United States, China, the European Union, Japan, Russia, or India was the leading economic power in the world. More than 50 percent answered China, while fewer than 35 percent said the United States. Those numbers held when Gallup did the same polling the next year and the next and in 2014, when the portion of Americans choosing China rose to 52 percent and the portion choosing America dipped to 31 percent. That’s a whopping differential, especially considering its wrongness.

China’s economy still lags behind ours, although Americans have been reluctant to recognize that. In 2020, when China was pilloried as the cradle of the coronavirus pandemic, 50 percent of Americans indeed saw our economy as the mightier of the two. But that rediscovered swagger was short-lived. In 2021, 50 percent gave the crown back to China. Last year, Americans saw the economies as essentially tied.

From the May 1888 issue: What is pessimism?

A fundamental misperception of global affairs by Americans isn’t surprising. Too many, if not most, of us are disinclined to look or think beyond our shores. But this particular misperception startled and fascinated me: We’d traditionally been such a confident, even cocky, nation, enamored of our military might (and often too quick to use it), showy with our foreign aid, schooled in stories—true ones—about how desperately foreigners wanted to make new lives here and what extraordinary risks they took to do so. We saw ourselves as peerless, and we spoke a distinctively American vocabulary of infinite possibility, boundless optimism, and better tomorrows.

American dream. American exceptionalism. Land of opportunity. Endless frontier. Manifest destiny. Those were the pretty phrases that I grew up with. We were inventors, expanders, explorers. Putting the first man on the moon wasn’t just a matter of bragging rights—though it was indeed that, and we bragged plenty about it. It was also an act of self-definition, an affirmation of American identity. We stretched the parameters of the navigable universe the way we stretched the parameters of everything else.

That perspective, obviously, was a romanticized one, achieved through a selective reading of the past. It discounted the experiences of many Black Americans. It minimized the degree to which they and other minorities were shut out from all of this inventing and exploring. It mingled self-congratulatory fiction with fact. And it probably imprinted itself more strongly on me than on some of my peers because of my particular family history. My father’s parents were uneducated immigrants who found in the United States exactly what they’d left Southern Italy for: more material comfort, greater economic stability, and a more expansive future for their children, including my father, who got a scholarship to an Ivy League school, went on to earn an M.B.A., and became a senior partner in one of the country’s biggest accounting firms. He put a heated in-ground pool in the backyard. He put me and my three siblings in private schools. He put our mother in a mink. And he pinched himself all the while.

It was nonetheless true that the idea of the United States as an unrivaled engine of social mobility and generator of wealth held sway with many Americans, who expected their children to do better than they’d done and their children’s children to do even better. That was the mythology, anyway. Sure, we hit lows, but we climbed out of them. We suffered doubts, but we snapped back. The tumult of the late 1960s, Richard Nixon’s degradation of the presidency, and the gas lines, international humiliation, and stagflation of Jimmy Carter’s presidency gave way, in 1980, to the election of Ronald Reagan, who declared that it was “morning again in America” and found an abundance of voters eager to welcome that dawn, to reconnect with an optimism that seemed more credibly and fundamentally American than deviations from it.

I don’t detect that optimism around me anymore. In its place is a crisis of confidence, a pervasive sense among most Americans that our best days are behind us, and that our problems are multiplying faster than we can find solutions for them. It’s a violent rupture of our national psyche. It’s a whole new American pessimism.

Well, maybe not entirely new. In Democracy in America , published in 1835, Alexis de Tocqueville noted a perpetually unsatisfied yearning in Americans, who, he wrote, “are forever brooding over advantages they do not possess.” He found Americans unusually attuned to their misfortunes, and that made (and still makes) sense: With big promises come big disappointments. Boundless dreams are bound to be unattainable.

Even in periods of American history that we associate with prosperity and tranquility, like the 1950s, there were rumblings and disenchantment: Rebel Without a Cause , The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit . And the late 1960s and early ’70s were an oxymoronic braid of surgent hope for necessary change and certainty that the whole American enterprise was corrupt. There were headstrong and heady demands for dignity, for equality, for justice. There were also cities on fire and assassinations. But the overarching story—the general trend line—of the United States in the second half of the 20th century was progress.

Read: The patron saint of political violence

Then, in 2001, the Twin Towers fell. In 2008, the global economy nearly collapsed. By 2012, I noticed that our “shining city on a hill,” to use one of Reagan’s favorite terms for the United States, was enveloped in a fog that wouldn’t lift. In June of that year, Jeb Bush visited Manhattan; had breakfast with several dozen journalists, including me; and mused about the country’s diminished position and fortunes. Perhaps because his political life was then on pause—he’d finished his two terms as Florida governor and his 2016 presidential campaign was still years away—he allowed himself a bluntness that he might not have otherwise. “We’re in very difficult times right now, very different times than we’ve been,” he said, and while that was already more downbeat than mainstream politicians’ usual prognostications, his following words were even darker: “We’re in decline.”

In the years that followed, I paid greater and greater heed to evidence that supported his appraisal, which mirrored my own. I was struck by how tempered and tentative President Barack Obama seemed by the second year of his second term, when he often mulled the smallness, not the largeness, of his place in history, telling David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker , that each president is just “part of a long-running story. We just try to get our paragraph right.” “Mr. President,” my New York Times colleague Maureen Dowd wrote in response, “I am just trying to get my paragraph right. You need to think bigger.”

Of course, when Obama had thought bigger, he’d bucked up against an American political system that was polarized and paralyzed—that had turned “hope and change” into tweak and tinker. Obama’s longtime adviser David Axelrod told the Times ’ Michael Shear: “I think to pretend that ‘It’s morning in America’ is a misreading of the times.”

That was in 2014, when I registered and explored the revelation that so many Americans thought China was wealthier than we were. Around the same time, I also noticed a long memo by the prominent Democratic political strategist Doug Sosnik in Politico . He observed that for 10 years running, the percentage of Americans who believed that the United States was on the wrong track had exceeded the percentage who thought it was on the right track. “At the core of Americans’ anger and alienation is the belief that the American dream is no longer attainable,” Sosnik wrote. “For the first time in our country’s history, there is more social mobility in Europe than in the United States.”

That “first time” turned out to be no fleeting aberration. Since then, the negative markers have multiplied, and the negative mood has intensified. The fog over our shining city won’t lift. Almost every year from 2000 to the present, the suicide rate has increased. A kind of nihilism has spread, a “rot at the very soul of our nation,” as Mike Allen wrote last year in his Axios newsletter summarizing a Wall Street Journal /NORC poll that charted both the collapse of faith in American institutions and the abandonment of tradition and traditional values. Only 38 percent of respondents said that patriotism was very important, in contrast with 70 percent of respondents from a similar Journal /NBC survey a quarter century earlier, in 1998.

To recognize those dynamics is to understand America’s current politics, in which so many politicians—presidential candidates included—whip up support less by talking about the brightness of the country’s future than by warning of the apocalypse if the other side wins. They’re not clarions of American glory. They’re bulwarks against American ruin.

This essay was adapted from the forthcoming The Age of Grievance .

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Election 2024 Trump cancels North Carolina rally, his first since his trial began, because of weather.

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Rebecca Davis O’Brien

President Trump’s campaign committee ended March with $45 million on hand, up from $33.5 million at the end of February, an improvement as he seeks to close the fund-raising gap with President Biden, whose campaign had $85.5 million on hand. It’s not just about donors, though: The Trump campaign’s spending has slowed to a trickle – in March, it spent just $3.7 million, compared with Biden’s $29.2 million.

Michael Gold

After two flashes of lightning, Donald Trump’s rally in North Carolina was canceled. Trump called into the rally and said he was advised not to land but promised he would return to the state soon. The National Weather Service has a severe thunderstorm watch in the area until 10 p.m.

Donald Trump is set to hold his first rally since his criminal trial in Manhattan began, a juxtaposition that his campaign is using in fund-raising messages. “They can’t keep me off stage!” Trump wrote in an email sent about 2 hours before he was scheduled to speak. “Did they think I would run and hide?”

Jazmine Ulloa

Nikki Haley, the one-time 2024 Republican presidential hopeful, on Saturday posted online photos of a warm reunion with her husband, Maj. Michael Haley, after his year-long deployment in Djibouti with the Army National Guard. Though not physically present, her husband was a fixture of her campaign and drew national attention when he drew personal insults from her rival, Donald Trump.

Nicholas Nehamas

The Biden campaign released a series of seven new digital ads featuring President Biden and former President Barack Obama on Friday night. The campaign said that “grassroots fundraising content signed by or featuring President Obama has generated more than $17.7 million,” helping to power Biden to a significant fundraising advantage over Donald Trump thus far.

Reporting from Wilmington, N.C.

Trump rally, a return to the campaign trail after a week on trial, is called off because of storms.

After former President Donald J. Trump sat in a courtroom in New York for much of the last week, Saturday night was supposed to herald a return to the campaign trail and the large rallies where he often gives long, freewheeling speeches.

With thousands gathered on the tarmac at an airport in Wilmington, N.C., Mr. Trump’s campaign was building anticipation. Two hours before he was set to speak, the campaign sent a fund-raising blast with a message from Mr. Trump: “They can’t keep me off stage! Did they think I would run and hide?”

Ninety minutes later, the skies darkened to charcoal and lightning flashed. As thunderstorms swept toward the area and the National Weather Service issued watches and warnings concerning dangerous winds and hail, the rally was canceled over safety concerns.

“We’ll make up for this very quickly at another time,” Mr. Trump said on a call he made into the rally that was broadcast over the speakers. “We’ll do it as quick as possible. I’m devastated that this could happen.”

But the cancellation, which Mr. Trump indicated was out of his hands, highlights the challenges that he may face as he tries to balance his presidential campaign with a criminal trial that will keep him busy through May.

For much of the last week, Mr. Trump’s public comments had been limited to social media posts and remarks to reporters outside the courtroom. His only campaign stop was at a bodega in New York City , in a state he overwhelmingly lost in the last two elections and that is not expected to be in play in November.

Saturday’s rally was expected to serve as a preview of the upcoming weeks, with Mr. Trump traveling on weekends to campaign in battleground states that are more central to his efforts to return to the White House.

He has repeatedly claimed that the trial is preventing him from campaigning in places like North Carolina, which he won in 2016 and 2020, but where Democrats are making a big push in November . Opening arguments are slated to start on Monday, and the trial is set to last six to eight weeks.

As is often the case with Mr. Trump’s rallies, the crowds began lining up hours ahead of his expected remarks. Among those gathered outside was a group wearing shirts with the logo of the Proud Boys, a prominent far-right extremist group. One person held a sign that read “Free All of the J6 Prisoners,” a reference to those serving sentences in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

Mr. Trump, who faces four criminal indictments that include charges tied to his efforts to overturn his election loss, has recently embraced dozens of Jan. 6 defendants. He has called them “hostages” and has said he would consider pardoning them.

In a statement, Ammar Moussa, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, criticized the group’s presence, pointing to remarks Mr. Trump made in a debate in 2020, in which he told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.”

“This is Donald Trump’s America: where white nationalists and violent far-right extremists are empowered and working families are left behind,” Mr. Moussa wrote.

Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, responded in a statement, “We don’t comment on stupid.”

Mr. Trump’s remarks were expected to face particular scrutiny given that he is under a gag order in his criminal trial that bans him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, jurors and court staff, as well as their relatives and relatives of the judge. Prosecutors have said Mr. Trump has violated the gag order seven times, and there is a hearing about the issue on Tuesday.

Mr. Trump did travel to North Carolina earlier in the day, attending a fund-raiser in Charlotte in the afternoon. When he called into the rally, he told the attendees that he was minutes away from “flying in” to Wilmington but that the authorities “would prefer that we not come in” over safety concerns.

“I’m so sorry,” Mr. Trump said. “But we’ll do it again, and we’ll do it bigger and better. You have my promise.”

As the crowd left to seek shelter in their cars, vendors outside were still selling an array of merchandise, some of which had been created specifically for the occasion. One T-shirt promoted what it called the Wilmington stop on Mr. Trump’s “Save America” tour.

“I was there!” The shirt read. “Where were you???”

Robert Draper contributed reporting.

Kellen Browning

Kellen Browning reports on political campaigns in Nevada.

Nevada G.O.P. Senate primary heats up as the long shot goes after the front-runner.

Nevada’s once-sleepy Republican primary for Senate, which has been dominated by Sam Brown, a U.S. Army veteran, was jolted to life in the past week, when a deep-pocketed rival took aim at the front-runner.

Jeff Gunter, the ambassador to Iceland under former President Donald J. Trump, is unloading a $3.3 million advertising campaign with a MAGA message, according to his campaign, hoping to cut into Mr. Brown’s dominant lead over the crowded field.

A television ad from Mr. Gunter that began airing on Wednesday called Mr. Brown “the newest creature to emerge from the swamp,” tying him to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the minority leader, and deriding his primary opponent as “Scam Brown.”

Mr. Brown, a veteran who was wounded severely in Afghanistan in 2008, consolidated party support after entering the primary last July, earned the endorsement of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and has appeared at fund-raisers around the country with prominent Republicans. He has lapped his competitors in fund-raising, pulling in $2.4 million in the most recent quarter, according to fund-raising reports.

Mr. Brown has sought to employ the Trump campaign handbook, skipping debates and focusing his attention on Senator Jacky Rosen, the Democratic incumbent, rather than on his Republican rivals.

That changed on Thursday, when Mr. Brown appeared to address Mr. Gunter for the first time, at a private fund-raising event in Sparks, Nev., after Mr. Gunter accused him in ads and appearances of being disingenuous and not sufficiently pro-Trump.

“You might hear some noise out there, and people who show up from places like California from seven months ago, who want to name-call me this or that,” Mr. Brown told attendees, according to a recording obtained by The New York Times. “And that’s going to happen and we expect that out of people who were literally Democrats a year ago, to play that sort of game. But just keep your head down. You know who I am.”

His comments appeared to be focused on Mr. Gunter, a wealthy dermatologist and recent transplant from California who used to be a registered Democrat.

A group backing Mr. Brown’s campaign, the Duty First PAC, ran its first television ad this week since last year, a $322,000 reservation, according to the tracking firm AdImpact. Mr. Brown’s campaign declined to comment on Mr. Gunter.

Mike Berg, a spokesman for the N.R.S.C., suggested that Mr. Gunter’s previous party affiliation and residence would be an issue for Republican voters.

“California Democrats typically support policies like defunding the police, opening our southern border and letting violent criminals out of prison, so it would be surprising if Gunter caught on in a Republican primary,” Mr. Berg said.

Mr. Brown remains the strong favorite to win the June 11 primary. A recent poll commissioned by the N.R.S.C. and Mr. Brown’s campaign and conducted by the Tarrance Group, a Republican firm, found 58 percent of likely primary voters supporting Mr. Brown, while Mr. Gunter was in fourth place with 3.2 percent.

“I still think it’s Sam Brown’s race to lose,” said Chuck Muth, a Las Vegas-based conservative political consultant. The one thing that could sway the race, Mr. Muth said, would be if Mr. Gunter could earn the endorsement of Mr. Trump, who has not yet weighed in on the primary.

Mr. Trump made several posts seeming to express his approval for Mr. Brown on Truth Social, his social media platform, this month. “Democrats are terrified of a united Trump-Brown ticket in Nevada!” one read.

In an interview, Mr. Gunter acknowledged that the N.R.S.C. had tried to dissuade him from running, and he criticized Mr. Brown, arguing that he had little to point to as far as experience or expertise other than his time in the military.

“I salute his patriotism, he served his country, he was wounded in battle. But aside from those things, he’s basically a three-time loser,” Mr. Gunter said, citing Mr. Brown’s failed bid for the Texas State House when he lived in Dallas in 2014 and his loss in the 2022 Nevada Senate primary. (Mr. Brown also explored, but eventually dropped, a run for the Nevada State Assembly.)

Mr. Gunter, who is largely self-funding his effort and lent his campaign $2.7 million last quarter, faces his own challenges in his run. Aside from his previous record as a California Democrat — he says that he now lives in Nevada, and that “the Democrat party left me” — his tenure as ambassador to Iceland has been heavily scrutinized. A 2021 report from the Office of Inspector General found that he had fostered a “threatening and intimidating environment” at the embassy. Reporting from CBS detailed his seemingly erratic behavior, including his attempts to work remotely from California during the beginning of the pandemic.

Mr. Gunter said he was “running that place like clockwork,” and that the government report was “bogus.”

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