National Pride

Is having pride in ones country necessary and healthy for a nation, or does it inhibit logical thinking about the nations actions? (Submitted by: poke-the-eric)

Pride in one’s own nation is very healthy. Pride means that you have a stake in your nation, that you are responsible for your nation. Having pride means that you work to better your nation, you strive for excellence of your nation.

However, pride alone is not healthy. Pride and a healthy dose of humility are the best combination. Be proud of what your nation does well, and have the humility to understand what your nation can do better. Pride without humility leads to blind allegiance and extreme nationalism, both of which are unhealthy for your nation and the world.

To paraphrase Dinesh D’Souza, you should love you country because it is lovely.