Patriotism is not meant to make us into cannon fodder at the summons of the power hungry. It is meant to inspire us to dedicate ourselves to the cause of our country’s welfare even if it costs us. Patriotism is one of the most powerful emotions that the human heart is capable of. It can be ennobling if it inspires people to sacrifice for a cause bigger than themselves, in this case the country. But even such a noble sentiment can be exploited if those in charge of the country treat people merely as cannon fodder for the wars that they fight for their own interests. That’s why we need intelligence to evaluate whether the cause we are dedicating ourselves to is actually being served by our dedication.

Watch this content at: Patriotism is one of the most powerful emotions

***

17.11 Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness.