Patriotism

A patriot is one who tries to make his country worthy of his love. 

This is the best definition of patriotism I know.

I will now disaggregate this, looking at what it means. Every individual loves his country 

without exception. But usually this love stays within himself as a sentiment, undeveloped

into the real material world though the sentiment remins strong and seeks constant expression. None

will opposeit as it does no harm to anyone, being only a sentiment. Among school children it finds expression as songs, march pasts, uniforms, flags, dances, writings, and other such acts. Children upto 16 love it as it gives them a heady feeling.

But this exrpession remains non material, risk free and fruitless. It can quickly turn into hostility towards others different from us. As adults it should be abandoned. But patriotism never dies, the question is what form should it take.