“…..,nationalism, that specious patriotism of the morally stunted.”
(page 167, “Birds without Wings” by Louis de Bernieres).

It is surprising how some people find it difficult to distinguish between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism is the natural human attachment to country and kin. It should come with a healthy dose of self-criticism and a desire to harmlessly enhance the happiness and wellbeing of one’s fellow citizens. Patriotism is very Epicurean.

Nationalism is the plague that struck the world in the latter part of the 19th Century, “my country, right or wrong”, the unthinking, competitive tribalism that led us into two world wars and the deaths of untold millions. We still indulge in nationalism, the obvious examples being wars against Iraq and Afghanistan, instigated by the “America is the greatest country ever in the history of the world” crowd. Nationalism dangerous, threatening to others and is not Epicurean.