Patriotism is not sentimental nonsense. Nor something dreamed up by demagogues. Patriotism is as necessary a part of man's evolutionary equipment as are his eyes, as useful to the race as eyes are to the individual.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Patriotism is framed as a biological necessity for group survival. It is compared to physical organs in its utility.
- In plain terms
- Loving your country is like having eyes for the species to survive.
- What can you take from it?
- View loyalty as a survival tool for the group.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is patriotism natural or learned?
- What serves the group best?
Another view
Biological analogies for social concepts are often debated.
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