Quote by Erich Fromm

Nationalism is our form of incest, is our idolatry, is our insanity. Patriotism is its cult. It should hardly be necessary to say, that by patriotism I mean that attitude which puts the own nation above humanity, above the principles of truth and justice; not the loving interest in one's own nation, which is the concern with the nation's spiritual as much as with its material welfare --never with its power over other nations. Just as love for one individual which excludes the love for others is not love, love for one's country which is not part of one's love for humanity is not love, but idolatrous worship.

Nationalism is our form of incest, is our idolatry, is our i

Summary

This quote by philosopher Erich Fromm critiques the dangerous aspects of nationalism and patriotism. Fromm argues that nationalism, or the excessive pride and loyalty to one's own nation, is like incest â€“ it promotes an unhealthy and exclusive attachment. He considers patriotism to be the cult that perpetuates nationalism. Fromm distinguishes between a healthy, compassionate love for one's country that includes concern for its spiritual and material well-being, and a toxic form of patriotism that values the nation above humanity and disregards principles of truth and justice. In essence, he emphasizes the importance of a broader sense of love and compassion for all of humanity rather than blind devotion to one's own nation.

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