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Interesting to consider the extent to which his core philosophy would be met with scorns of derision (or at best, uncomprehending looks) from most United States
by variety 16y ago
Interesting to consider the extent to which his core philosophy would be met with scorns of derision (or at best, uncomprehending looks) from most United Statesians. Just try to imagine someone running for major political office here, expressing sentiments such as these:
"I feel that the fundamental basis of patriotism should be a belief in mankind and its freedom . . . far beyond the aspirations of any one nation, any one religion, or any one geographical location," Vandermeerssche wrote in the book.
"One must learn to discover the values and the similarities of human being that go far behind the color of their skin, the artificial and superficial expression of their creeds or religions and especially beyond the particular piece of land on which they live. The concept of 'international patriotism' is the only guarantee, it seems to me, for lasting world peace."
In a 1988 interview, he put it this way: "We have to start teaching our youngsters that patriotism, as we know it, to defend only -your- piece of land, is wrong."
- julius_geezer 16y agoAs a United Statesian, I might question the practicality in the foreseeable future. I would certainly point out that a belief in mankind and its freedom is the sort of thing that can be invoked for a decision to invade Iraq, or to imagine that a US-style constitution is now practical for Afghanistan. There is this to be said for patriotism, that a more particular commitment has a better chance of realizing itself in action rather than sentiment. Obviously, one should not use it to excuse bad actions. G.K. Chesterton's remark that "My country right or wrong" is equivalent to "My mother, drunk or sober" certainly applies.
- hendler 16y agoI would add; patriotism is not simply a willingness to go to war, but a willingness to risk one's self for others.