While economic patriotism is a good thing, the other form of patriotism, fighting for one's country and killing is downright nonsense. Planet Earth is the home for Human beings, so why segregate each other in the name of caste, religion, region and countries? It is stupid and sometimes makes me think that all politicians and men in power are like high school bullies, boasting of their power over others. To satisfy this craving for ego satisfaction and power, wars are fought and people are killed senselessly for the policies of their leaders. Is this Patriotism? When I was growing up I used to think that dying for the country was an excellent thing, atleast that's what the teachers make you believe. Now we have a misguided youth wanting others to die for the country. Why do you want to die? If you love your country, take part in sports, India has never won an individual olympic gold, surely if some of these youths tried we could win. Instead they dream of killing and dying. Here's what Einstein said... Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them! ~Albert Einstein
RE:Patriotism
by asdfg on Jan 25, 2008 02:16 AM Permalink
hey mr enterprise, economic freedom doesn't come till one has the freedom that Indian constitution provides. These soldiers are the reason for your economic freedom. Don't be so naive as to not understand this concept. And if economic patriotism is so dear to you, be a brave soldier for that, move out of India and go to some UNDERDEVELOPED country in AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST and become a torch bearer for it. You guys with good education sometimes become hypocrite, thinking creating economic freedom is the only way for india to progress and underestimating the reason why you can do it. It is because of MILITARY branch you can do stuff freely. Hope sense prevails in your outlook and you change your thinking. God Bless our FORCES.
RE:Patriotism
by Onie on Jan 24, 2008 11:16 PM Permalink
What is economic patriotism? If it is stoning KFC and McDonalds, then it is silly and pointless. In contrast, the willingess to defend your country and to die for it is noble and virtuous and I respect those who have the guts and commitment to choose that path. What is not noble - and this is what Einstein referred to - is blind patriotism, which champions not the instinct to protect your own but the instinct to pillage and suppress others.
Think back to the World War II. The Nazis chose war for the sake of war, because they believe they had a right to rule and others the duty to serve. That kind of patriotism is indeed a curse. In contrast, the allies fought for human liberty and freedom, the right not to be subjugated. That kind of patriotism is why the free world survived.
RE:Patriotism
by sabyasachi ghosh on Jan 25, 2008 12:21 AM Permalink
Dude, where do you live? Everything said and done, we did end up forming countries and borders - an outcome that followed 'natural human instincts' of power and survival from day one of our existence. If we were to open our borders on so foolish ideology non-conforming to way Humans behave and think, soon we will have Taliban ruling our country with Hizbul in your backyard. The fact of the matter is that borders DO exist and you need a bunch of people to protect it because it will be breached... and they need motivation to do it whatever it takes to get them that... a few words, some beliefs.. let it be. They are doing what pseudo-intellectual fools like you can never imagine.. you'll sh**t in your pants. Anyways, if you want to be as idealistic, least of all for some popular line by Einstein - GO LIVE ON MARS!! No Borders there!
