Nationalism Quote by Dan Rather
““It is important not to confuse “patriotism” with “nationalism.” As I define it, nationalism is a monologue in which you place your country in a position of moral and cultural supremacy over others. Patriotism, while deeply personal, is a dialogue with your fellow citizens, and a larger world, about not only what you love about your country but also how it can be improved. Unchecked nationalism leads to conflict and war. Unbridled patriotism can lead to the betterment of society. Patriotism is rooted in humility. Nationalism is rooted in arrogance.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Radio Interview, Dan Rather, 2020
Patriotism invites dialogue and humility, while nationalism imposes superiority and leads to conflict.
In simple terms: Patriotism is humble dialogue; nationalism is arrogant monologue.
Key Takeaway
Foster inclusive patriotism, avoid nationalist arrogance.
Themes
patriotism
nationalism
dialogue
humility
conflict
societal improvement
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- political debates
- educational curricula
- community forums
- media commentary
Key Concepts
civic identity
political theory
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices encourage patriotic dialogue?
- How can societies guard against covert nationalism?
A Different Perspective
Nationalism can be subtle and still harmful.
![“[I]nclusion, not assimilation, should be the key concept in seeking, ever seeking, a more perfect national union. Our own history has shown that we are stronger as a mosaic than a melting pot. Our nation is bound together more by ideals than by blood or land, and inclusion is in our cultural DNA…” quote by Dan Rather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab3/dan-rather-2779_inclusion_i-nclusion-not-assimilation-should-be-th_105214.jpg)
![“He [Mikhail Gorbachev] has, as many great leaders have, impressive eyes…There's a kind of laser-beam stare, a forced quality, you get from Gorbachev that does not come across as something peaceful within himself. It's the look of a kind of human volcano, or he'd probably like to describe it as a…” quote by Dan Rather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed6/dan-rather-2779_beam_he-mikhail-gorbachev-has-as-many-great-l_117079.jpg)
![“The very nature of economics is rooted in nationalism. ... It [was] developed ... in the hope of throwing light upon questions of policy. But policy means nothing unless there is an authority to carry it out, and authorities are national.” quote by Joan Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eba/joan-robinson-11438_authority_the-very-nature-of-economics-is-rooted-i_15974.jpg)
