Citizenship? We have none! In place of it we teach patriotism which Samuel Johnson said a hundred and forty or a hundred and fifty years ago was the last refuge of the scoundrel -- and I believe that he was right. I remember when I was a boy and I heard repeated time and time again the phrase, 'My country, right or wrong, my country!' How absolutely absurd is such an idea. How absolutely absurd to teach this idea to the youth of the country.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Patriotism taught as blind loyalty is absurd and should not be imposed on youth.
- In plain terms
- Blind nationalism is foolish.
- What can you take from it?
- Encourage critical thinking about country and loyalty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the line between healthy patriotism and blind loyalty?
- How can we teach love for country without dogma?
Another view
Some argue that shared patriotism can unify societies.
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