Editorial July 4, 1903 Issue

The True Patriotism

To many people "my country" means little more than a tremendously big "me," with the accredited disposition and ability to say, "Stand off" to the other fellow; and they are likely to hurrah the loudest when they are reminded of the time that this national giant asserted himself vigorously, and made his point.

This concept is very human and no less unethical than egotistic. It nourishes a sense of material self-sufficiency and is boastful if not bellicose. It Conduces to the Survival of the physically stronger rather than the more deserving, and its history is a tragic tale of national aggression and militarism. It may awaken the enthusiasm of loyalty, and beget a devotion that is indifferent to sacrifice, even of life, but it is far from ideal, and it cannot insure stability of empire.

Right thought, here, begins with the recognition that the people constitute the country as the family constitute the home, and that true patriotism signifies an altruistic devotion to the highest interests of human brotherhood.

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