Tag: Patriotism

Patriotism Part 24

We can have good reasons for being patriotic towards our country and people. British patriotism, arising from empiricism, can help us, individually and as a country, to be prosperous in a competitive world, safe in a dangerous world and happier, comfortable with ourselves and at peace with each other.  Indeed the Best of British can… Continue reading Patriotism Part 24

Patriotism Part 23

Idealism as a basis for nationalism or anything else is potentially dangerous because there is little or no reality check. Thus, things can be manipulated to extremes, by for example the unscrupulous or deluded. Typical consequences include jingoism (aggressive or warlike foreign policy), xenophobia intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries)… Continue reading Patriotism Part 23

Patriotism Part 22

Underlying patriotism generally is a philosophy of reality and knowledge.  Patriotism can be founded on empiricism, where knowledge comes from experience and fact, or on idealism, where reality is largely a creation of the mind.  Empiricism acts as a reality and humanity check, and making patriotism outward looking towards also seeing and learning from the… Continue reading Patriotism Part 22

Patriotism Part 21

Patriotism can provide us with inspiration for creativity, innovation and perseverance.  One way is through incorporation of existing elements from our national culture into art, music, literature etc., or in developing a unique national style.  But inspiration can also arise from other activities, not least from existing acts of bravery or defying omnipotent power.  Re-discovery… Continue reading Patriotism Part 21

Patriotism Part 20

Patriotism can focus on preservation, protection and furtherance of what is best in our national way of life, including liberty, democracy, culture, heritage and history etc. Perhaps we are naturally inclined to protect ‘territory’ and the familiar. Typically, Rule Britannia includes the words: ‘Thee haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame: All their attempts to bend thee… Continue reading Patriotism Part 20

Patriotism Part 19

Patriotism can exert a benign influence through being proud and appreciative of something worthwhile. Starting with pride in ourselves, in our achievements, in our communities or organisations we work for, and then by extension in our country, acts as something of an incentive and reward for efforts.  We can see something of value to us… Continue reading Patriotism Part 19

Patriotism Part 18

Patriotism is a glue which holds together people; people who want roots, a shared identity and to be part of an established national community.  Without this glue, what is there to hold them together?  And it can be a strong glue crossing divides such as origins, social status and income, education etc., perhaps best said… Continue reading Patriotism Part 18

Patriotism Part 17

These days patriotism, that is loyalty and support for one’s country, seems out of fashion, regarded sometimes as a quaint irrelevance, a potentially threatening ideology or a source of morally repugnant behaviour; and something to lampoon.  Yet is this the whole story and if we neglect the beneficial effects are we letting ourselves in for… Continue reading Patriotism Part 17