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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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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. 

Aditi Gupta

A bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, I am an enthusiastic writer. I love to write about impactful content which can help others. I love to binge watch and listen to music during my free time.

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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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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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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 […]
• 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.
• Patriotism in Music and Songs of America Patriotism can be defined as the attachment to a country and its core attributes, which does not always equal loyalty to the government or a sense of superiority.
• Patriotism in Music of Lee Greenwood, Jean Sibelius, John Legend and Others The speed of the beat that is in this is sometimes slow and, at times, medium. Scale is a pattern of notes that makes the melody in a song familiar.
• 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 […]
• “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 […]
• 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.
• Differences Between Nationalism and Patriotism-Which Is Better for Nation Building
• Comparing Patriotism and Volunteerism in the Society
• The American Revolution: Treason or Patriotism
• United States Declaration of Independence and Patriotism
• 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
• Gandhi’s Views On Patriotism and One’s Love for Their Country
• The European Charter – Between deep Diversity and Constitutional Patriotism
• Patriotism And National Identity : A Symbol Of National Hero
• U.S. Definition of Patriot and Patriotism
• Japanese Culture vs. Chinese Culture: the Loss of Patriotism
• Patriotism: American Identity Defined Through Opportunity, Hard Work, And Loyalty
• Racism, Unprovoked Hatred and Misguided Patriotism in Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
• American Patriotism: The Love for the Country
• The Patriotism Of Despair By Serguei Alex Oushakine
• The Influence of The Miracle on Ice Game in Changing the Public Attitude and Feelings of Patriotism in America
• Preserving the American Idea of Patriotism
• Economic Patriotism, the Clash of Capitalisms, and State Aid in the European Union
• False Patriotism in America
• Patriotism, Cosmopolitanism, Consumer Ethnocentrism and Purchase Behavior
• The Consequences Of Patriotism As Moral Justification
• Comparing Patriotism and Nationalism
• The Representation of Patriotism and Militarism in the Drinking Fountain
• The Different Versions of Our True Patriotism
• Red White and Beer: a Rhetorical Analysis of America’s Retail Patriotism
• The Relation Between Seppuku and Patriotism Within the Japanese Society
• Is American Patriotism Also Blind Patriotism
• The Birthplace of American Patriotism
• Patriotism in United States After September 11th Incident
• The Use of Media to Promote Unity and Patriotism in America
• Is Patriotism a Byproduct of Fascism
• The Idea of Freedom and Patriotism in America
• Wanda Coleman, Colin Kaepernick, and The Refusal to Prioritize Patriotism Over Blackness
• Patriotism, Preferences and Serendipity: Understanding the Adoption of the Defence Transfers Directive
• The Policy Of Economic Nationalism: From Origins To New Variations Of Economic Patriotism
• U.S. Patriotism: A Link to American Hatred. Politics in the Media
• A Deeper Look at Patriotism, Conscience and the Mexican War
• How Does Economic Patriotism Differ from Nationalism?
• What Acts Promote Patriotism?
• How Can a Teacher Show Patriotism in Education?
• What Values Lead to Patriotism?
• Does Patriotism Contribute to the Growth of a Nation?
• What Is the Concept of Economic Patriotism?
• How Are Terrorism, Patriotism, and the Farce of Loyalty Oaths Related to Each Other?
• Why Is Patriotism an Important Value?
• How Do You Demonstrate Patriotism?
• What Is Patriotism in Core Values?
• Should the Canadian Government Coordinate the Organization of Youth Groups That Would Encourage Patriotism?
• Was the American Revolution a Treason or Patriotism?
• How Does Promoting Patriotism Contribute to Economic Prosperity?
• What Are the Positive Effects of Patriotism?
• How Has Patriotism Changed Over the Centuries?
• What Are the Main Types of Patriotism?
• Did the First World War Change the Idea of War and Patriotism?
• What Is the Relationship Between Seppuku and Patriotism in Japanese Society?
• How Does Globalization Affect Patriotism?
• What Is the Difference Between Nationalism and Patriotism, and Which Is Better for Nation Building?
• How Is Patriotism, Bravery, and Freedom Described in the Book “Born on the Fourth of July”?
• What Is Your Idea of Patriotism and Its Importance in Our Lives?
• Should Teachers Emphasize Patriotism and Heroes?
• What Are the Factors Affecting Patriotism?
• How Can the American Idea of Patriotism Be Preserved?
• What Does True Patriotism Mean to You?
• How Important Is Patriotism for Young People?
• What Are the Qualities of a Good Leader That Promote Patriotism?
• Is It Important to Educate Patriotism in Elementary School?
• What Does the Concept of Patriotism Mean to Mishima?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Essay on Patriotism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Patriotism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Patriotism

Understanding patriotism.

Patriotism is a strong emotional attachment to one’s country. It’s about loving your homeland, its culture, traditions, and values. It’s not just about waving flags on national holidays, but respecting the nation’s laws and working for its betterment.

Importance of Patriotism

Patriotism is important because it fosters unity and helps in nation-building. It encourages citizens to contribute positively to their country’s prosperity. A patriotic person will always strive for the welfare of their nation.

Patriotism Vs Nationalism

While patriotism is about love for one’s country, nationalism can sometimes lead to a sense of superiority over other nations. It’s important to maintain a balance and respect all nations equally.

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250 Words Essay on Patriotism

Patriotism, often perceived as an intense emotion, is the feeling of love and devotion towards one’s country. It is a bond that connects citizens, transcending their individual differences, and unifying them under a shared identity. However, patriotism is not merely an emotion; it is a value that guides actions and behaviors.

The Essence of Patriotism

At its core, patriotism is about responsibility. It compels individuals to contribute to the well-being of their nation. This could range from voting and obeying laws to serving in the military or volunteering for community service. It fosters a sense of community, encouraging citizens to work for the collective good rather than personal gain.

Patriotism vs Nationalism

While patriotism is a unifying force, it’s crucial to distinguish it from nationalism. Nationalism, when extreme, can lead to xenophobia and intolerance, as it involves placing one’s country’s interests above all others. On the other hand, patriotism is about appreciating one’s country while respecting the sovereignty and value of other nations.

The Role of Patriotism in Democracy

In a democratic society, patriotism plays a vital role. It instills a sense of civic duty, ensuring citizens participate actively in the democratic process. Moreover, it encourages critical thinking, as true patriots question and challenge their government’s actions to ensure they align with the nation’s best interests.

In conclusion, patriotism is a complex and multifaceted concept. It is more than just love for one’s country; it’s about responsibility, respect, and active participation in civic life. It’s a force that, when harnessed correctly, can lead to a stronger, more inclusive society.

500 Words Essay on Patriotism

The concept of patriotism.

Patriotism, in its simplest form, can be defined as the love and devotion one feels for their homeland. However, the concept extends beyond mere emotional attachment and encompasses a broad spectrum of thoughts, actions, and commitments. It’s a complex amalgam of pride, gratitude, and a sense of duty. This essay aims to delve into the multifaceted notion of patriotism and how it shapes our society.

Patriotism and National Identity

Patriotism is intrinsically linked to national identity. It is a force that binds a diverse group of individuals into a cohesive whole, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. It is the thread that weaves the social fabric and gives a nation its unique character. Patriotism fuels the collective consciousness of a nation’s people, inspiring them to work towards the common good and uphold the values that define their nationhood.

Critical Patriotism

However, patriotism should not be equated with blind nationalism or jingoism. It must be understood as a nuanced sentiment that balances pride in one’s country with a critical perspective. This approach, often referred to as ‘critical patriotism’, encourages individuals to question and challenge their government’s actions when they seem unjust or contrary to the nation’s values. It underscores the importance of active citizenship and the role of dissent in a democratic society.

Patriotism and Global Responsibility

In the era of globalization, the concept of patriotism has evolved to accommodate a broader, more inclusive perspective. It is no longer limited to one’s loyalty towards their nation but extends to a sense of responsibility towards the global community. This form of ‘global patriotism’ recognizes the interconnectedness of our world and the shared challenges we face, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. It promotes international cooperation and solidarity, emphasizing that patriotism and cosmopolitanism are not mutually exclusive.

The Role of Education in Nurturing Patriotism

Education plays a crucial role in nurturing patriotism. It is through education that young minds are introduced to their nation’s history, culture, and values. However, the goal of education should not be to instill a narrow, uncritical form of patriotism. Instead, it should aim to foster a form of patriotism that encourages critical thinking, social responsibility, and global awareness. This approach can help create a generation of patriots who are not only proud of their heritage but are also committed to their nation’s progress and the betterment of the global community.

In conclusion, patriotism is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond mere emotional attachment to one’s country. It is about embracing one’s national identity, questioning and challenging injustices, recognizing our global responsibilities, and striving for the common good. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, let us strive to cultivate a form of patriotism that is inclusive, critical, and globally aware.

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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”

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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)
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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Political Systems & Ideologies — Patriotism

Essays on Patriotism

When it comes to writing an essay on patriotism, the topic you choose can make a big difference. Patriotism is a broad and complex subject that encompasses a wide range of ideas, emotions, and actions. Choosing the right topic is essential for crafting a compelling and engaging essay that captures the essence of patriotism. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of the topic, provide advice on choosing a topic, and offer a detailed list of recommended essay topics, divided by category.

Patriotism is a concept that holds different meanings for different people. It is not only about love for one's country, but also about the values and principles that one believes in. Writing an essay on patriotism allows you to explore and express your thoughts on these important ideas. The topic you choose will shape the direction of your essay and influence the way your audience perceives your perspective on patriotism.

When choosing a topic for your patriotism essay, it's important to consider your own interests and beliefs. Think about what aspects of patriotism are meaningful to you and what you want to communicate to your audience. Consider topics that are relevant and timely, as well as those that offer opportunities for in-depth exploration and analysis. Additionally, make sure to choose a topic that is manageable within the scope of your assignment and that allows you to present a compelling argument or narrative.

Recommended Patriotism Essay Topics

When writing an essay about patriotism, it's important to choose a topic that is both interesting and relevant. Here is a list of patriotism essay topics categorized by different themes:

Historical Perspectives

• The role of patriotism in the American Revolution
• Patriotic symbolism in the Civil War
• Patriotism in World War I and II
• The impact of patriotism on the founding of a nation

Modern Perspectives

• The relationship between patriotism and nationalism
• Patriotism in the context of globalization
• The influence of patriotism on contemporary politics
• The role of social media in shaping patriotic sentiment

Cultural Perspectives

• Patriotism in literature and the arts
• Patriotic traditions and celebrations around the world
• Patriotism in popular culture and media
• Immigrant perspectives on patriotism

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations

• The ethics of patriotism and its implications
• Patriotism vs. cosmopolitanism: a philosophical debate
• The role of patriotism in shaping moral values
• Patriotism and the concept of duty

Personal Reflections

• My personal journey with patriotism
• Family traditions and patriotism
• Patriotism and identity: a personal exploration
• How my perspective on patriotism has evolved over time

Global Perspectives

• Comparative analysis of patriotism across different cultures
• The role of patriotism in international relations
• Patriotism and global citizenship
• Patriotism and the challenges of multiculturalism

Social and Political Implications

• The impact of patriotism on social cohesion
• Patriotism and protest movements
• The role of patriotism in promoting social change
• The intersection of patriotism and social justice

Education and Patriotism

• The role of patriotism in the school curriculum
• Patriotism and civic education
• Teaching patriotism in a diverse classroom
• Patriotism and the challenge of historical accuracy

Psychological Perspectives

• The psychology of patriotism
• Patriotism and identity formation
• The impact of patriotism on mental health
• Patriotism and group dynamics

Environmental Considerations

• Patriotism and environmental conservation
• The role of patriotism in sustainable development
• Patriotism and climate change activism
• The intersection of patriotism and ecological ethics

These recommended essay topics cover a wide range of perspectives on patriotism, offering ample opportunities for exploration and analysis. Whether you are interested in historical, cultural, philosophical, or personal reflections on patriotism, there is a topic that will suit your interests and allow you to craft a compelling and thought-provoking essay.

Remember to choose a topic that resonates with you personally and provides a platform for expressing your thoughts and ideas in a meaningful way. With the right topic, your patriotism essay has the potential to spark important conversations and inspire critical thinking about the concept of patriotism in today's world.

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Patriotism is the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to one's country. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one's own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.

Niccolò Machiavelli, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jürgen Habermas, Johann Gottfried von Herder, etc.

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Mind & Body Articles & More

Can patriotism be compassionate, new psychological research points to how we can feel authentic pride in our country—and still be citizens of the world..

“I don’t mean love, when I say patriotism,” writes Ursula K. Le Guin in her classic 1969 novel The Left Hand of Darkness . “I mean fear. The fear of the other. And its expressions are political, not poetical: hate, rivalry, aggression.”

In some corners, patriotism has a bad name. “Patriot” is mildly defined in my desktop dictionary as a “supporter of one’s own country”—and yet my thesaurus suggests the word “patriotism” can be synonymous with jingoism, chauvinism, nativism, and xenophobia. Particularly during times of war , patriotism does indeed seem to go hand-in-hand with dehumanization of outsiders , as well as intolerance of internal dissent.

But that’s not the whole story. Patriotism also drives people to extremes of altruism and self-sacrifice on behalf of the homeland. Shared support for a country strengthens social bonds among its citizens and provides an incubator in which trust and compassion can grow among them.

Thus patriotism helps tie us together within national borders, but there’s a catch: It seems to diminish our ability to see the humanity in citizens of other nations. That’s why national holidays like the Fourth of July always present me—and many windmill-tilting idealists who’d like to foster peace and cross-group understanding—with a Gordian knot: We feel forced to choose between country and humanity.

But does that have to be the case? Can one celebrate the Fourth of July without hating and fearing other countries? The short answer to the second question is yes… probably. In fact, when the Greater Good Science Center analyzed the results of its “connection to humanity” quiz , we found plenty of people who identified with both country and humanity. They are not mutually exclusive.

Indeed, so far the research literature suggests that the problem is not with patriotism itself. Human beings are built to be part of groups, but groups do not have to be self-focused and belligerent. New psychological research points to how we can feel authentic pride for our country—and still be citizens of the world.

Why does patriotism exist?

In his 2012 book The Righteous Mind , moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that morality arises from intuitions, not reasoning, and that our intuitions rest upon six foundations, which he defines as a series of binary opposites like Care/Harm; Fairness/Cheating; Loyalty/Betrayal; and Authority/Subversion.

The values of the political Left, he says, derive mainly from the foundations of Care and Fairness—while conservatives tend to more highly value Loyalty. This makes “patriotism” a special property of the Right.

To define the Loyalty foundation, Haidt describes a classic 1954 experiment by social psychologist Muzafer Sherif, who pitted two groups of 12-year-old boys against each other in an effort to understand how collective identities are formed. The boys quickly forged tribal micro-cultures and “destroyed each other’s flags, raided and vandalized each other’s bunks, called each other nasty names, made weapons….”

When morality rests upon the Loyalty foundation, says Haidt, right is anything that builds and defends the tribe; wrong is anything that undermines it. Thus violence against members of the other tribe is moral, and betrayal of one’s own tribe is the worst crime of all. That sounds terrible to people whose morality rests upon Care and Fairness—and the reason why, for example, conservatives vilify whistleblower Edward Snowden while many liberals hail him as a hero.

But Haidt argues the Loyalty foundation has deep evolutionary roots and cannot be wished away by those who prefer Care as a basis for morality. Humans have always had to band together to survive and thrive, and bonding with some seems to naturally involve excluding others.

This is true down to a neurochemical level. Oxytocin , for example, has been nicknamed the “love hormone” for its role in bonding people with each other.  But what’s less well known is that oxytocin plays a role in excluding others from that bond. One 2011 study found that Dutch students dosed with oxytocin were “more likely to favor Dutch people or things associated with the Dutch than when they had taken a placebo.” Furthermore, they were more likely to say “they would sacrifice the life of a non-Dutch person over a Dutch person in order to save five other people of unknown nationality.” We can just as well call oxytocin the “patriotism hormone”!

This is only one example of how our bodies are seemingly built for group cohesion and loyalty—which makes traits like patriotism an intractable part of human psychology.

Even liberals and radicals who imagine themselves to be above tribal squabbling can be easily observed exhibiting the same behaviors as the 12-year-old boys in Muzafer Sherif’s experiment. When I was an undergraduate student activist, I thought nothing of defacing the posters and banners of the campus “White Student Union.”

I still think the agenda of that group was repulsive—and it’s worth noting that Haidt’s research into political difference grew out of research into feelings of disgust—but I now realize that my actions followed an unconscious, evolutionary script. I wasn’t promoting a higher ideal; I was just trashing the other team, largely because I enjoyed the self-satisfied shot of dopamine I got when I spray-painted “RASCISM SUX” on one of their banners. My friends cheered me on; I was strengthening bonds within my tribe by committing an anti-social act of vandalism against another tribe.

Four paths to a more compassionate patriotism

More on compassionate patriotism.

Take our quiz to measure how much you love humanity .

Learn how to increase your compassion bandwidth .

Listen to this interview with Jonathan Haidt, and subscribe to Greater Good 's podcast series.

Learn what your own moral foundations are at Jonathan Haidt's website, www.yourmorals.org .

Discover more Greater Good articles and videos about the science of compassion and altruism .

So is there a solution? Or are we simply doomed to follow these scripts?

In her 2011 essay, “Teaching Patriotism: Love and Critical Freedom,” the philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum argues that while there are many dangers inherent in teaching patriotism, we still “need patriotic emotion to motivate projects that require transcending self-interest.” Just as strong attachment to parents can serve as a template for healthy relationships throughout life, so secure attachment to one’s nation can give us the confidence to respect other people’s countries.

Nussbaum searches American history for leaders who were able to build a more compassionate, cosmopolitan patriotism, as when Martin Luther King, Jr., argued in 1967 that opposing war is the “privilege and the burden of all of us who deem ourselves bound by allegiances and loyalties which are broader and deeper than nationalism and which go beyond our nation’s self-defined goals and positions.”

Nussbaum draws on history and philosophy to make her case for a new brand of patriotism, but does her argument cut against human nature, as some allege? The answer is no—recent psychological research points to many steps we can take to extend the legacy of King. Here are four for us to consider.

1. Make love of humanity an explicit goal.

Evolution bequeathed to us a brain that is wired for connection to the group, which is what makes patriotism such a two-edged sword, cleaving “us” from “them.” And the brain is very, very good at spotting differences in its environment, including racial differences. As the essays in the Greater Good anthology Are We Born Racist? reveal, we cannot stop ourselves to going into high alert when we encounter something out of the ordinary or someone different from ourselves.

Does this mean that prejudice and xenophobia are inevitable? No, because the human brain is also adept at overcoming fear and adapting itself to change. Study after study finds that repeated exposure to other peoples and cultures erodes prejudice.

The brain has one other advantage in the effort to transcend xenophobic nationalism: It is goal oriented. If we tell ourselves—and tell our kids—that extending compassion and forgiveness to people of other countries is a worthwhile goal, “the brain can do that, though it may take a bit of effort and practice,” as neuroscientist David Amodio writes in his Greater Good essay about overcoming racism, “The Egalitarian Brain” .

Group formation and loyalty are indeed natural and supported by our bodies, but we are also very well equipped to overcome our kneejerk fears or prejudices. We just need to give ourselves opportunities for reflection on our biases—and dedicate ourselves to overcoming them.

2. Teach that compassion and empathy are unlimited resources.

The argument for a narrow, self-interested patriotism starts with the idea that there is only so much good feeling to go around—and that therefore we need to ration fellow-feeling for those closest to us.

But more and more studies reveal that this premise is false. “In my research, I have found that the limits of empathy are actually quite malleable,” writes psychologist C. Daryl Cameron in “Can You Run Out of Empathy?” His studies find that people will ration their empathy and compassion for the in-group when they worry help for the out-group will be too costly or ineffective. But, he explains:

People’s expectations about empathy can have powerful effects on how much empathy they feel, and for whom. Identification with all humanity is an empirically documented individual difference that predicts more empathic emotion and behavior. And research with mindfulness interventions suggests that training people to approach, rather than avoid, their emotional experiences can decrease fear of empathy and increase pro-social behavior.

In short, “The research so far says empathy isn’t a non-renewable resource like oil. Empathy is more like wind or solar power, renewable and sustainable.” Knowing this to be true is one of the steps that allows people to extend their fellow feeling beyond their immediate circles, to encompass a broader swath of humanity .

3. Extend self-compassion to America.

Both liberals and conservatives would benefit from applying some self-compassion to themselves as Americans.

As a group, American liberals, progressives, and radicals tend to be harsh with our own country—I say “our” because I count myself among them. We decry our history of slavery and racism, the genocide of Native Americans, wartime atrocities committed in our name, illegal actions by intelligence agencies, and more. The most thoughtful and self-conscious critics are aware that we are harsh in part because we blame ourselves: we identify with our nation, take responsibility for its worst actions, and are ashamed. That’s a valid manifestation of patriotism, in my view—but one that can interfere with taking positive action to make things better.

Meanwhile, many rock-ribbed conservatives treat any criticism of America as a personal blow to their self-esteem. “People who invest their self-worth in feeling superior and infallible tend to get angry and defensive when their status is threatened,” writes University of Texas psychologist Kristin Neff, who could be describing the Bush administration. Neff’s solution to both these psychological dilemmas is self-compassion: “People who compassionately accept their imperfection, however, no longer need to engage in such unhealthy behaviors to protect their egos.”

As she writes in “Why Self-Compassion Trumps Self-Esteem” :

As I’ve defined it, self-compassion entails three core components. First, it requires self-kindness, that we be gentle and understanding with ourselves rather than harshly critical and judgmental. Second, it requires recognition of our common humanity, feeling connected with others in the experience of life rather than feeling isolated and alienated by our suffering. Third, it requires mindfulness —that we hold our experience in balanced awareness, rather than ignoring our pain or exaggerating it.

For the Right, these are all qualities that could help build a kinder, gentler, less defensive patriotism. For the Left, feelings of shame can make us come down harshly on ourselves and our countrymen without also recognizing our nation’s positive qualities—the values and accomplishments that motivate us to connect with other Americans and celebrate our shared identity. For both groups, research by Neff and her colleagues finds that self-compassion actually leads to greater compassion for others. If you know how to identify and address suffering in yourself, you are better able to do the same for other people.

But will self-compassion reduce our will to change and challenge injustice? Here, the research says absolutely not. “We think we need to beat ourselves up if we make mistakes so that we won’t do it again,” says Neff . “But that’s completely counterproductive. Self-criticism is very strongly linked to depression. And depression is antithetical to motivation: You’re unable to be motivated to change if you’re depressed. It causes us to lose faith in ourselves, and that’s going to make us less likely to try to change and conditions us for failure.”

When we are compassionate with ourselves, however, we can admit that we made a mistake—and then simply try to do better next time. That’s a citizenship skill worth cultivating.

4. Embrace authentic, not hubristic, pride.

Pride is a natural emotional response to success and high social status, but some forms of pride are healthier than others.

Many recent studies have revealed the downside of what psychologists call “hubristic pride,” which is associated with arrogance and self-aggrandizement. As Claire E. Ashton-James and Jessica L. Tracy write in their 2011 study of how pride influences our feelings about other people, “Hubristic pride results from success that is attributed to internal, stable, and uncontrollable causes (‘I did well because I’m great’).”

In contrast, “authentic pride results from success attributed to internal, unstable, and controllable causes (‘I did well because I worked hard’),” and is closely associated with feelings of accomplishment and humility. Their experiments—as well as several others by GGSC-affiliated scientists —have closely linked hubristic pride to prejudice, impulsivity, and aggression. Authentic pride had exactly the opposite effects, encouraging self-control, compassion for others, and positive attitudes toward out-groups. Other research by UC Berkeley’s Matt Goren and Victoria Plaut finds that the negative effects of pride are mitigated if we are conscious of the power and privilege granted by our status.

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So the challenge is fairly clear: to cultivate authentic, power-cognizant pride among citizens of the United States. If we feel pride, it should be in the accomplishments of our fellow citizens and in any contributions we ourselves have made toward making our country and community a better place, however small and local. Pride of simply being born American leads to hubris, which leads to bigotry and belligerence. For pride to be authentic, it must be something we feel we have earned.

The best American leaders have always made that distinction. We all know this line from John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” But few seem to remember the next line: “My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

The brutal Cold War context of these words is almost lost to us now, but the higher ideals behind them are not ambiguous. Kennedy presented himself as a patriot of the United States and as a citizen of the world, seeing no contradiction. These words are, at root, an appeal for authentic pride—citizenship as something that must be earned, in a nation that is part of a community of nations. Those are ideals worth celebrating.

About the Author

Jeremy Adam Smith

Uc berkeley.

Jeremy Adam Smith edits the GGSC's online magazine, Greater Good . He is also the author or coeditor of five books, including The Daddy Shift , Are We Born Racist? , and (most recently) The Gratitude Project: How the Science of Thankfulness Can Rewire Our Brains for Resilience, Optimism, and the Greater Good . Before joining the GGSC, Jeremy was a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University.

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Essay on Patriotism | Patriotism Essay for Students with Quotations

Introduction

Patriotism is a feeling of love, dedication, and commitment to one’s homeland, as well as a bond with other citizens who share these feelings.it is an admirable quality. It refers to a group of ideas that are closely tied to nationalism. A Patriotic is a person who has a strong sense of respect, loyalty, and support to his nation. A true patriot always thinks about his country before he thinks about himself. It can be tested in critical situations such as wars, pandemics, and natural catastrophes. Patriotism motivates a person to act justly and fairly in the interests of the country’s well-being and improvement. True affection and thinking for a country’s progress is patriotism.

During the British rule over the subcontinent, several people have battled for Pakistan or even gave their lives. Some continued to fight for their nation with the same zeal and laid down their lives to defend their homeland from intruders. Some sacrifice their properties and lands. Most lost their loved ones during the partition, but they never get disappointed and followed the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Liaquat Ali Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, and many others were true patriots of the history that invoked the sense of patriotism in other Muslims and to consider Pakistan as the Motherland.

Significance of Patriotism:

Patriotism is essential for the country’s progress and independence and our freedom fighters were the outstanding examples of this. Patriots adore their lives to ensuring well-being of the nation. Our country, Pakistan is impoverished and underdeveloped. It is facing many issues. We must show patriotism to solve these challenges and make the country, a prosperous one. The importance of patriotism cannot be overstated. The feeling must be instilled in the country’s youngsters for them to function as responsible citizens. Youth are the nation’s future, and for the country’s bright future, they must defend their country and make it able to shine.

Types of Patriotism:

There are five different types of patriotism, each of which must be considered on its merits.

• Extreme patriotism:

This kind of patriotism is uncommon, but not unheard of. Leaders and policymakers use it frequently when their nation’s interests are deemed to be at risk. It is summarized in the phrase “our nation, right or wrong” at least in its most basic and obvious interpretation. There is not much to say about this type of patriotism as it amounts to a moral rejection. It is impossible for “our country, right or wrong” to be correct.

• Robust patriotism:

This kind of patriotism is critical and rational. Patriotic loyalty is directed towards one’s nation, it does not indicate that a patriot will support any government in power. A Robust patriot may encourage his country’s interests in a critical manner.

• Moderate patriotism:

This patriotism is moderate in a number of different but related ways it isn’t boundless. It forbids a patriot from promoting his nation’s interest in any type of situation. It recognizes the limitations that morality places on our ability to achieve societal goals.

• Deflated patriotism:

Deflated patriots obey the laws of the nation and promote citizenship. They prioritize their duties to make their nation a welfare state.

• Ethical patriotism:

It includes the moral and ethical flourishing of the country. Ethical patriots want to see justice done, rights protected, and human solidarity at any place.

How does it work?

The sense of patriotism is progressively fading these days, as today’s youth do not feel as strongly about their nation as previous generations did.

Parents and teachers need to work to create a spirit for patriotism in coming generations. They must instill a sense of patriotism and encourage the youth to love their country and try to make their country a progressive one. A country whose youth love it and are eager to improve its social and economic conditions would have a better chance of going and thriving. We should have respect and affection not just for our country but also for other nations to have peaceful relations and to prevent conflicts.

True and a fake patriot:

A person appears to be a true patriot who is willing to put his career and anything on the line of his nation. The fate of a country is in the hands of its leadership. Whether or not, the rulers appear to be a true patriot, they consider the nation’s interest as well as the people. They will continue to do so for the betterment of the country. A nationalist prioritizes the value of the land over his own interests.

However there some fake patriots out there. They simply enjoy taking unfair advantage of the circumstance. They are folks who lacked both faith and character. They are self-centered and can cause harm to a nation’s prosperity.

Patriotism that exceeds the limits of reasons might result in battles with other countries. A common example in history of this type of patriotism is the world-war II, which occurs due to Hitler’s violent patriotism.

Patriotism may cause us to be unjust and unfair in our perception of others. Every nation has its unique qualities and specialties. Every country has made significant contributions to the advancement of human civilization. Even though a country is very small, it is unwise to dismiss it.

The Reward of a Patriot:

A true patriot serves his motherland and dies for it. He was admired and cherished throughout his life and after his death. That type of nationalist is inevitable. Among these are, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam, and many others who served Pakistan with great zeal.

Conclusion:

No doubt, a comprehensive discussion of patriotism is beyond the scope of this essay. Patriotism is the purest feeling that can never be taught or spoon-fed. A person develops this on his own. A patriot not only thinks about himself but also for the cause of other nations. He must believe in the well-being of humanity.

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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.

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Patriotism: meaning, types and importance

• “Patriotism: The Pride and Duty of Being a human”

Meaning of Patriotism

Civic patriotism:, ethnic patriotism:, nationalist patriotism:, progressive patriotism:, defensive nationalism:, historical nationalism:, economic patriotism:, global patriotism:, constitutional patriotism:, extreme patriotism:, importance of patriotism or, unifying force, important role in national identity, promoting international understanding, sense of loyalty and commitment, source of inspiration, cultural heritage, source of economic stability and growth, spurs innovation, powerful emotion, means of promoting education and personal growth, motivates individuals, promoting peace and stability, characteristics of patriotism.

Patriotism is a feeling of love, dedication and loyalty towards one’s country. This can manifest itself in many ways, such as supporting a country’s ideals, customs and institutions and taking pride in its history and achievements. People who are patriotic may also be ready to defend their country from external threats and make sacrifices for its good.

Patriotism can also include actively working to improve one’s country and make it a better place for all of its citizens. This includes participating in civic activities, volunteering and supporting policies and programs that promote the public good.

Furthermore, patriotism often includes a sense of belonging and belonging to a larger community and a willingness to stand up for the rights and freedoms of all members of that community. However excessive nationalism can lead to discrimination and exclusion of certain groups and it is important to strike a balance between love for one’s country and respect for the rights of others.

Patriotism can be different for every person and can also change with time. For example someone who has lived in several countries may have a more global outlook. He may feel a sense of patriotism for more than one country. Similarly someone who has experienced discrimination or injustice within their country may have a more critical outlook and work towards change rather than blindly loving their country.

Patriotism can also be used in a negative way such as when it is used to justify aggressive or oppressive actions towards other countries or groups. It is important to remember that patriotism should not override the values of fairness, justice and respect for human rights.

In short, patriotism is a complex and nuanced emotion that can take many forms and be influenced by individual experiences and attitudes. At its best, it is a positive force that fosters love, dedication and loyalty to one’s country. Willing to work for its betterment. At worst it can be used to justify aggression, harassment and discrimination.

“Patriotism is also called Nationalism “

Types of patriotism

There are many different types of patriotism including :-

This type of patriotism is based on love and devotion to one’s country, its government, and its laws. It emphasizes the values and ideals of the country such as democracy and freedom.

This type of patriotism is based on a sense of belonging to a particular ethnic group or nation. It emphasizes on the cultural and historical heritage of the country.

This type of nationalism is characterized by strong feelings of nationalism, often accompanied by a belief in the superiority of one’s country and culture. It can also include feelings of aggression towards other countries or cultures.

This type of nationalism emphasizes the idea of continuously working towards bettering one’s country and creating a better future for all citizens. It gives priority to social justice, equality and inclusiveness.

This type of nationalism is characterized by a strong sense of security towards one’s country and its people, often in response to perceived threats from outside.

It is important to note that different people may display different types of patriotism at different times or in different situations.

This type of nationalism is based on appreciation and respect for one’s country’s history and traditions. This often involves a strong connection to a country’s past and a desire to preserve its cultural heritage.

This type of patriotism focuses on promoting and supporting the economic well-being of one’s country. This often includes supporting domestic industries and businesses as well as protecting jobs and wages for citizens.

This type of feeling is based on the idea that all countries and peoples are interconnected and that the well-being of one’s own country is linked to the well-being of other countries and the global community. This type of nationalism encourages cooperation and mutual support among nations.

This type is based on commitment to the principles and values enshrined in the country’s constitution. It stresses the importance of abiding by the rule of law and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.

This type of nationalism is based on the idea that one’s country is part of something larger than oneself, such as a shared humanity or common destiny. It encourages a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the global community and the planet as a whole.

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Why is Patriotism Important

It is important because it fosters a sense of community and shared values among citizens and encourages them to work together for the betterment of their country. It also inspires individuals to take pride in their country’s achievements and contribute to its continued success.

This is a unifying force that brings together people of diverse backgrounds and promotes social cohesion. It is also a motivator for people to defend their country and stand up for its values and beliefs.

It also plays an important role in national identity and helps create a sense of belonging among citizens. It also motivates individuals to play an active role in civic life and participate in the democratic process. It can also be a powerful force in times of crisis such as war or natural disasters as it can bring people together and help them work through difficult times.

It is also a source of inspiration for individuals to strive for individual and collective achievement. it is a powerful tool for promoting international understanding and cooperation as it helps to build bridges between nations and promote mutual respect and understanding.

It also fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment to one’s country and its people. It can inspire individuals to make sacrifices for the greater good of their country and its citizens.

It also encourages individuals to take responsibility for the well-being of their country and its future. Furthermore, it is a source of inspiration for social and political change as it motivates individuals to work towards making their country a better place for all citizens.

It plays a role in preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of a country. It also motivates individuals to take an active interest in the history, customs and culture of their country. In general, it is a powerful force that can bring people together and inspire them to work for the common good.

It also has a practical aspect, as it is a source of economic stability and growth. When citizens take pride in their country, they are more likely to invest in it and promote it as a destination for tourism, business and trade. This can lead to job creation and economic growth.

It also spurs innovation because citizens feel more invested in the future of their country. They are more motivated to develop new technologies, products and services. Furthermore, a strong sense of nationalism helps fight corruption because citizens are more likely to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders and institutions.

It is important to note that as with any powerful emotion, patriotism can be used for both positive and negative purposes and it is important to ensure that it is channeled into constructive and inclusive actions. Excessive or blind feeling leads to a disregard for the rights and well-being of others and can also be used to justify aggression and violence.

It can also be a means of promoting education and personal growth. When individuals have a strong sense of pride in their country, they are more motivated to learn about its history, culture and achievements. This leads to a deeper understanding of the country and its people. This fosters critical thinking and analytical skills.

A strong sense of nationalism can inspire this. Motivates individuals to pursue higher education and develop their skills and talents to the fullest. Furthermore, it can inspire individuals to become active and informed citizens, engaged in the country’s political and social issues, and committed to making a positive impact.

Nationalism also plays a role in promoting peace and stability. It promotes a sense of unity and common purpose among citizens and discourages divisive and destructive behavior. A stronger sense of nationalism creates a greater willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation with other nations, which can help resolve conflicts and promote cooperation.

Overall, nationalism can be a powerful force for good, but it’s important to channel it in a positive and constructive way. It is important to remember that it is not just about loving your country, but also about working to improve it and striving for a better future for all its citizens.

It is characterized by love and devotion towards one’s country. It often includes a sense of national pride as well as a desire to defend the country and its values. It can also include a belief in a country’s exceptionalism as well as a desire to promote its culture and ideals. It often includes a sense of duty and responsibility to actively participate in the civic life of one’s country.

• sense of unity and shared identity with fellow citizens
• Willingness to sacrifice for the good of the country
• Faith in the country’s democratic institutions and values
• Willingness to work for the betterment of the country
• Recognition of the country’s history and cultural heritage
• Willingness to support and defend the country in times of crisis
• Confidence in the country’s ability to reform and progress.
• It is important to note that it can manifest itself in different ways, and can be expressed through various actions such as volunteering, voting or joining the military. However, it can also be expressed by criticizing the government and holding them accountable for their actions.

Patriotism is a deep sense of love, loyalty and devotion to one’s own country. It’s a complex and multi-faceted concept with several key characteristics:

1. Love for One’s Country:

Patriotism involves a genuine affection and emotional attachment to one’s homeland. This love often stems from a sense of identity and belonging to a particular nation.

2. Loyalty:

Patriots show unwavering allegiance and dedication to their country. This loyalty often extends to supporting the country’s values, culture and institutions.

3. National Pride:

Patriotism fosters a sense of pride in a country’s achievements, history, culture and contributions to the world. This pride can boost citizens’ morale and create a shared sense of identity.

4. Defending and Protecting:

Patriots are willing to defend their country, both physically and morally, against threats and challenges. This can include military service, safeguarding national interests and advocating for the well-being of fellow citizens.

5. Respect for Symbols and Traditions:

Patriots hold reverence for national symbols like the flag, anthem and historical landmarks. They also uphold and cherish national traditions that shape the country’s character.

6. Civic Engagement:

True patriots actively participate in their country’s democratic processes, such as voting, voicing opinions and holding public office. They contribute to shaping the nation’s policies and direction.

7. Community and Solidarity:

Patriotism often promotes a sense of community and unity among citizens. People who share a love for their country may feel connected and support each other in times of need.

8. Acceptance of Diversity:

While emphasizing a shared national identity, patriotism does not necessarily exclude respect for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity within a country. Many modern forms of patriotism encourage inclusivity.

9. Criticism and Improvement:

Patriots care deeply about their country’s well-being and are willing to acknowledge its shortcomings. They engage in constructive criticism and work towards making their nation better.

10. Cultural Preservation:

Patriotism can motivate efforts to preserve and promote a country’s unique cultural heritage, traditions and language.

11. Contributions to Society:

Patriots often actively contribute to the betterment of their society through volunteering, philanthropy and other forms of civic engagement.

12. International Relations:

While focusing on their own country’s interests, patriots can also engage in diplomatic efforts to foster cooperation and peaceful relations with other nations.

Overall, patriotism is a nuanced sentiment that varies among individuals and cultures. It can manifest differently in different contexts, and its interpretation may change over time based on historical, political and social factors.

Another aspect of this is the feeling of belonging and belonging to one’s country. This can be seen through the celebration of national holidays and events, as well as the display of national symbols such as flags, monuments and other cultural symbols. Patriotism is also displayed through promotion of national culture such as art, literature and music. some people express their feelings by promoting their national culture to the world.

Patriotism can also be related to the concept of nationalism but the two terms are not synonymous. Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of the nation and often calls for the self-determination of a particular group of people. It is a feeling or emotion that one has towards one’s country, it can co-exist with or without nationalism ideologies.

In short, patriotism or nationalism is a complex and multidimensional concept that can take many different forms. It is characterized by love and devotion to one’s country a sense of national pride and a desire to protect and promote the country’s values and culture.

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There’s a Reason They’re Called ‘Gut’ Feelings

I n the 1800s, a French Canadian named Alexis St. Martin was shot in the stomach while at a fur trading post, when someone’s musket accidentally fired at close range. He survived, but his injuries resulted in a hole in his stomach wall. This provided an early window—literally—into how our emotions and mental health affect the gut. Through careful experiments, the surgeon William Beaumont discovered that St. Martin’s mental state had direct physiological consequences on his stomach’s activity: when he felt irritable, for example, his digestion slowed. Somehow, his emotional states were manifest in the specific, local biology of his gut.

Most people have experienced the gut consequences of their emotional feelings. Nerves before an exam might lead you to feel nauseous or even vomit. Profound sadness might make you lose your appetite, or perhaps cause a hunger impossible to satiate. Gut symptoms are common in mental health conditions, from appetite changes in depression to debilitating “psychosomatic” stomach pains. Many of our feelings are gut feelings.

But the gut doesn’t just respond to emotional feelings: it influences them, too. Take disgust. Disgust is visceral. Our stomach, like our heart, has a regular electrical rhythm; even just seeing something disgusting causes disruptions, called “dysrhythmias,” in this electrical signalling. Although disgust is crucial for survival—helping us avoid disease and stay alive—in many mental health conditions disgust becomes pathological. In obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), for instance, dirt or germs can preoccupy someone’s thoughts, causing symptoms like compulsive hand-washing. Self-disgust is common in depression and eating disorders. And even post-traumatic disorder can be brought on by profoundly disgusting traumas.

Pathological disgust is particularly hard to treat : exposure therapy and other psychological approaches are much less effective than for fear-based mental health problems. A couple years ago, working as a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge, I wondered if abnormal signals from the stomach could be causing disgust avoidance. I ran an experiment to test this hypothesis, and found that changing someone’s gut activity with a common anti-nausea drug reduced their disgust avoidance . This could represent a new way of treating pathological disgust in mental health disorders. For example, an anti-nausea drug could be administered just before exposure therapy, enabling patients to engage with therapy under a more optimal gut state.

Read More: How I Learned to Listen to What My Gut Was Telling Me

So gut feelings are not “all in your mind”—but they are not “all in your gut,” either. Sensations from the gut are transmitted to the brain via the vagus nerve, the primary channel of information sent from the body to the brain. A second route to target “gut feelings” is by electrically stimulating this nerve, which changes the electrical rhythm of the stomach . That said,  the idea is not new: vagus nerve stimulation for patients with major depression dates back to 2000 .

A new theory published in November 2023 proposes that vagus nerve stimulation amplifies signals from the internal body to the brain, which helps us adapt our behaviour to its current challenges and needs. That could explain why the effects of vagus nerve stimulation are so wide-reaching, altering learning, memory, and motivation. That means amplifying signals from the gut using vagus nerve stimulation might improve mental health in some cases, but in others could be ineffective or even detrimental. Ultimately, we need to consider the state and needs of someone’s internal body before amplifying the body’s influence on the brain.

But the importance of the vagus nerve extends to even more established treatments: evidence from mice suggests that the most common type of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) require the vagus nerve to work. This, too, could begin to provide clues why antidepressants do, or don’t, work for a given person, and even help us understand why they might cause side effects in some people.

If the vagus nerve’s role helps us adapt to our bodily needs, perhaps the most important internal need of all is energy. One function of the gut—together with other organs—is metabolism, converting food to energy the body can use. There are mysterious and wide-ranging connections between our metabolic system and mental health. For example, the prevalence of depression in people with diabetes is two or three times higher than in the general population. It’s not clear why: diabetes could increase depression risk, or vice versa. My lab is currently testing a third possibility: that common metabolic factors might increase your risk of both depression and diabetes because of interactions between the body and the brain. If we’re right, this could open up avenues toward metabolic interventions that improve both physical and mental health.

Our brain and wider nervous system adapts to its circumstances, including the body’s internal, metabolic needs, as well as our experience of the environment around us. Because of this, your gut-brain connection is not static, but rather changes and adapts over time. A fascinating study in 2021 discovered that brain cells can re-activate gut inflammation that an animal has previously experienced. The mere “memory” of gut inflammation, stored in cells in the brain, induced the physical state in the body. So sometimes a “gut feeling” actually originates from the brain. This role of the brain in “gut feelings” means our brain has the capacity to produce dysfunctional gut symptoms via brain changes alone. This ability of the brain could have upsides as well, perhaps explaining why psychological therapy—which causes brain changes —can also treat some gut conditions .

Gut feelings originate from many sources: directly through the gut, through channels of communication between gut and brain, or even through the brain itself. In neuroscience, as we unravel the dynamic communications between gut and brain, we can begin to understand how these processes helped our ancestors survive—and how we could better harness them to improve emotional and mental wellbeing. A gut feeling might have many possible causes, but each of these represent a potential solution for mental health.

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Jerod Mayo hoping to usher in change, new era of success with Patriots

FOXBORO, Mass. — The news is old, at least by modern standards. Players have had plenty of time to digest it all. That Bill Belichick, for the first time in 25 years, isn’t the head coach of the New England Patriots . That Jerod Mayo is. That the whole thing is going to be, well … different.

But that was still the top takeaway from the first two days of the team’s offseason program. With a new coach, the Patriots were eligible to start their offseason earlier than most others and thus began their team-organized conditioning on Monday, the first step in a long process leading to September’s opener.

At work. pic.twitter.com/ZWqRexHmIA — New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 9, 2024

That meant it was the first time for a lot of players to see the changes. The signs on the walls inside Gillette Stadium are different. Gone seem to be the signs proclaiming the importance of “doing your job.” The coaching staff has drastically changed. Matthew Slater is still hanging around — but without cleats or a helmet as part of his new advisory role. And, of course, the man at the front of the room is different for the first time in more than two decades.

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“Things are different, for sure,” tight end Hunter Henry said. “They already are. There’s some things we can carry over, and there’s some things we can change. … Obviously, there was a lot of success here for a long time. We want to be a part of that next success. … We’re trying to be a part of that change and change things (from the way) it’s been the past few years.”

What’s left is a strange tightrope for the team to walk, one where the franchise wants to praise Belichick and appreciate all he did while also accepting the fact that it needs to change.

“I’m thankful for Bill,” safety Jabrill Peppers said. “That’s a guy I have a lot of admiration and respect for. … I’ll forever be indebted to Bill. But at the end of the day, it’s a business.”

The change that has occurred so far has been deliberate. For all the similarities between Belichick and Mayo, in the way they see the game and the way they were raised, what Mayo is trying to build is entirely different.

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Belichick was all-encompassing with the Patriots. He wasn’t just the final decision-maker but often the only one with input on decisions. And he was unprecedentedly successful for a long time.

But that’s not how it has gone since Mayo took over. Collaboration is valued. Departments are encouraged to work together. We’re still months (and realistically years) from knowing whether that change is going to work or pay off in even a fraction of the success Belichick brought.

For now, Patriots players are enjoying the new vibe around the place and the sense that their voices will be heard more.

“Jerod has a lot of energy,” Henry said. “His persona and what he brings to a room — he kind of lights up a room. Obviously, he was a player. He’s been in our seats — literally been where we are and played — and also was a coach, too. He’s seen both sides of it. I think that from your leader, seeing both sides, understanding us and what we want and just maybe listening to us is good. He’s been exactly where we are. He knows what we want. He knows how things go. That player experience is just good for us.”

Free agency didn’t go exactly as planned for the Patriots. There weren’t many players lining up to sign with a team clearly in rebuilding mode, one that could last several years if they don’t hit on a quarterback with the No. 3 pick later this month.

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Instead, the Patriots prioritized extending their own players. Henry, Josh Uche , Mike Onwenu , Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings all re-signed. Henry did so when he was just a few days from becoming an unrestricted free agent, a curious decision after coming so close to seeing what awaited on the open market.

“I just wanted to be here,” Henry said. “I’m excited. I love this locker room. I love this area. I love this fan base. I love this organization. I’ll just keep reiterating it: I wanted to be a part of this. I didn’t like how last year went, how the last two years have been. And I want to be a part of that change.”

For the Patriots, that started Monday with some obvious changes. The walls look different and the sayings splattered on them are different. The whole place just feels … different.

This is the start of a new era in New England without Belichick. It’s going to take a while to determine whether Mayo’s approach yields success. But well before a new season begins, players have returned to the facility eager to see what the fresh leadership leads to.

“I’m excited for this new start,” Henry said. “I have a lot of pride in this organization. They brought me here three years ago now, and I’m just excited. I think it’s going to be cool to be a part of the new era here with Jerod.”

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(Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)

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Chad Graff is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the New England Patriots since 2022 after five years on the Minnesota Vikings beat. Graff joined The Athletic in January 2018 after covering a bit of everything for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He won the Pro Football Writers of America’s 2022 Bob Oates Award for beat writing. He's a New Hampshire native and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of New Hampshire. Follow Chad on Twitter @ ChadGraff

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You Don’t Just See a Total Solar Eclipse. You Feel It Completely.

By Ryan Milligan

Dr. Milligan is a senior lecturer in astrophysics at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Almost one year ago, in the middle of the night, I drove from my hometown, Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Dublin to catch an early morning flight to Munich. From there I caught another plane to Bangkok, another to Singapore and yet another to Perth in Western Australia. There, I rented a camper van and began a drive of more than 750 miles north to the town of Exmouth on a remote peninsula on the northwest coast of the continent.

This was the only reasonably accessible location on the planet with decent weather prospects from which to view the total solar eclipse on April 20, 2023. The entire event lasted 62 seconds. It was the 10th total solar eclipse I’d traveled to witness.

Even as a professional solar physicist, I find it difficult to convey why eclipse chasers like me go to such extraordinary lengths to witness such a fleeting phenomenon, again and again. I was extra determined to make the pilgrimage last year after I was thwarted by clouds in Chile in December 2020, and I couldn’t afford the eye-watering cost of traveling to Antarctica in 2021. I needed to whet my appetite before embarking on another expedition to see the totality of the April 8 eclipse in Mazatlán, Mexico.

It may sound absurd, but there is no other celestial event that anyone I know would devote so much time and effort to seeing. If you wish to see the northern lights, you can hop on a plane to Iceland or Norway and have a fairly decent chance of seeing them in the winter months. If you are on the nightside of the planet during a lunar eclipse and the skies are clear, you just need to go outside and look up to see it happening. But unless you are fortunate enough to live within or close to the path of totality, witnessing a total solar eclipse will probably require meticulous planning and marshaling time and money to get you to an optimal location and a bit of luck to make sure the weather forecasts you’ve pored over hold true.

Believe me, it is worth the effort.

A total solar eclipse is not something that you see — it’s something that you experience. You can feel the temperature around you begin to drop by as much as 15 degrees over the five to 10 minutes that lead up to the eclipse. The birds and other animals go silent. The light becomes eerie and morphs into a dusky, muted twilight, and you begin to see stark, misplaced shadows abound. A column of darkness in the sky hurtles toward you at over 1,000 miles per hour as the moon’s shadow falls neatly over the sun, turning day into temporary night — nothing like the calming sunset we take for granted every day. Sometimes, a few stars or planets begin to appear faintly in the sky as your eyes get used to the new darkness.

The hairs stand up on the back of your neck and the adrenaline kicks in as your brain tries to make sense of what is going on. But it cannot. It has no other point of reference to compare these sensations to. A total eclipse elicits a unique, visceral, primeval feeling that cannot be evoked by a photograph or a video or a newspaper article, and that can be experienced only within the path of totality when the moon completely obscures the disk of the sun.

And then of course there is the crowning glory: the sun’s corona, the pearly white outer atmosphere of our nearest star that we can otherwise see only using a fleet of dedicated solar-observing spacecraft. It has an ethereal beauty that is challenging to articulate.

For those brief few moments when the corona appears bright in the sky, all the effort made to experience the totality becomes worth it. You want to soak up every second of it and process every feeling, because it is over all too soon. Once the moon’s shadow has passed you feel both exhilarated and deflated because the next opportunity to experience this sensation again could be years away and on the other side of the world. And it is something that you will crave.

There is also, of course, the professional motivation for me to gaze upon the subject of my research with my own eyes. Most other astrophysicists only get to look at exploding stars or distant comets through gargantuan telescopes, where they appear as mere pixels on a computer screen or a squiggle on a graph. It’s easy to get detached from the beauty of astronomy when your job becomes more focused on securing grant funding, teaching, administrative duties and bureaucracy. Eclipse chasing reminds me why I chose this field of work in the first place and reignites my passion — and I want to inspire my students with that same passion.

Each eclipse is different. The shape and structure of the solar corona varies over the course of each solar cycle. The longer the duration of the eclipse, the darker one’s surroundings are likely to seem. And sandwiched between the sun’s “surface” and the corona is the crimson red chromosphere, the layer of the sun’s atmosphere that I have been researching for almost 20 years to understand its relationship to solar flares. In Australia the briefness of totality meant that this region was exceptionally bright and distinguished, and one could even spot some solar prominences (clouds of hydrogen gas suspended above the chromosphere) with the naked eye. That may also be the case on Monday.

People mistakenly think that a partial eclipse is good enough. It is not. When outside the path of totality, the visibility of even 1 percent of the sun’s disk is enough to outshine the entire corona. The buzz around this year’s eclipse through North America has reached a fever pitch not seen since the “Great American Eclipse” of 2017. The duration of totality will be almost twice as long — almost four and a half minutes. (Whether the weather will cooperate is still an open question .)

This is far from the first time I’ve tried to cajole people into experiencing the totality in full. In 2017, I persuaded several of my friends in the United States to join me in Nebraska to enjoy the spectacle without forcing them to traipse halfway across the globe. They later told me that they at first thought I may have been somewhat exaggerating the experience because of my professional bias, but when the eclipse was over, I knew that they finally got it. Their faces were overcome with emotion and they struggled to articulate how they were feeling. Because it wasn’t just about what they had seen — it was about what they had experienced.

Ryan Milligan is a solar physicist at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has held research fellowships at NASA and the Science and Technology Facilities Council in Britain and was affiliated with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for over a decade.

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Lizzo Pens New Essay About Her Feelings Amid Controversy Over 'I Quit' Statement

Lizzo is opening up about her feelings and how she overcame “rules” ingrained in her since childhood.

The 35-year-old singer recently alluded to various controversies surrounding her and declared, “ I didn’t sign up for this s-it. I QUIT. ”

However, days later, she clarified what she meant by saying she quits , confirming that she’s not quitting music.

Now, Lizzo shared a Tumblr post of an essay she penned, where she talks about her feelings and how she was essentially taught to suppress her own feelings when she was a kid.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Melissa hated her feelings,” the essay on her Tumblr page began. “She buried them in a chest in the 5th grade (along with her ability to express them). Other peoples’ feelings on the other hand was her forte. She could process, decipher and regurgitate other peoples emotions effortlessly.”

Lizzo went in to talk about how when she was a child, she would have to help mediate family fights, and there were three rules, “1.) Don’t cry. 2.) Stay neutral; Deescalate 3.)Don’t take anything personal. This isn’t about you.”

She shared one particular instance where she broke all the rules, then how after her father passed away, she still wouldn’t break the rules, and how “Traumas began to compact on Melissa, as they do.”

After putting pain into rock music, she started to find “reason and purpose” in her voice.

Lizzo concluded, “Melissa began to fall for her feelings. Her feelings gave life purpose. They weren’t always logical, as feelings seldom are. They were sloppy and embarrassing and rude and so fucking uncomfortable. But they were hers. And they were real. And when she sat alone sipping wine, staring at the moon…They were the only ones still by her side. Ready to break the rules for her because they loved her. And she finally loved them back.”

Check out Lizzo’s full essay below…

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