 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
Patriotism of the nationalistic type, so far from being taught in schools, ought to be mentioned as a form of mass-hysteria to which men are unfortunately liable, and against they need to be fortified both intellectually and morally. Nationalism is undoubtedly the most dangerous vice of our time.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Education and the Social Order, 1932, chap. 10:Patriotism in Education (George Alen and Unwin ed.) p.138
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Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
* Original text in Japanese, translated with Google translator
Unless there are special circumstances, most people develop a love for the land of their birth and upbringing. This is an extension of love for one's hometown and is quite different from nationalistic patriotism, which emphasises the nation more than necessary.
However, there are some people who are not satisfied with such patriotism and argue that nationalistic patriotism (which emphasises collective feelings) should be taught in schools. There are different types of such people. There are those who glorify militarism, those who are partial to traditional Japanese culture, those who are nationalistic because it is good for business, business right-wingers, and so on.
Recently, Yoshiko Sakurai, a critic (?), posted on X (formerly Twitter) a message on the importance of nationalistic patriotism ("Can you fight for your country?") ), which drew fire. I am not sure what type of patriot Ms. Sakurai is, but he seems to have the opposite opinion or feeling that "old people" who do not have to go to the battlefield should avoid militaristic statements. It may be more accurate to say that he prefers to keep making such claims because he can get support and funds from conservative voters if he keeps making such claims. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)