welcome to English Language Online today essay on
PATRIOTISM
PATRIOTISM
Patriotism is a great passion, which means literally the love of the mother, is a noble sentiment and a national virtue; and the man who lacks it has indeed, as Sir Walter Scott says, “a dead soul.”
“Breathes there the man with soul so dead.
Who never to himself health said!
This is my own, my native land!”
But the word has been so misused to cover the most selfish aims and narrow passions, that Dr. Samuel Johnson said in disgust, “Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrel”. We must therefore, distinguish between true patriotism and the false patriotism.
False patriotism is an enlarged selfishness and a narrowed nationalism. Patriots of this kind support their country simply because it is to their own private interest to do so; and they do so blindly. Their motto is, “My country, right or wrong”, that is, whatever foreign policy our nation adopts, whatever foreign policy our nation adopts, whether just or unjust, we must support it, without criticism, simply because it is the policy of our country.
Such spurious patriots are narrow nationalists, and teach that we cannot love our country without despising and hating all other nations, which is always crying out for war with other nations on the slightest pretext. Their motto is, “Might is right”.
The true patriot, on the other hand is an unselfish lover of the country. His sincere desire to serve it in all ways possible. He is proud of his country; but just because he loves it, he does not hesitate to expose its sins, denounce its abuses, and, if he thinks it necessary, to criticize its policy. He is more anxious that his nation should be right rather than that it should be powerful.
While he loves his country, he loves other nations too, and gladly recognizes their virtues and achievements. He would therefore cultivate international friendship, and hate and oppose wars. But if war breaks out, he is the first to fight for his land, and willingly sacrifice his life even in its defence. Such patriotism is one of the noblest virtues. Such patriotism is required to us. Man must serve his motherland from the core of the heart. A true patriot puts his head and heart into his every effort.
Author views
Author views
How was my lesson please tell me ( mera lesson kaisa tha majhey zarror bataye ga )
If there is any mistake you can tell me ( ager kahi galati
Share my blog with your friends ( mera blog apne dosto k saath share karey