Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.
During times of war, hatred becomes quite respectable even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism.
Unfortunately, after Sept. 11, there was an outburst in America of intense suffering and patriotism, and the Bush administration was very shrewd and effective in painting anyone who disagreed with the policies as unpatriotic or even traitorous.
Politics is too partisan, and sometimes patriotism is cast aside. Patriotism is honor and love of your country and your brothers and sisters. With politics I get the impression that it's all about what's good for the party and not necessarily what's good for the country.
But this Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the praises of the bravery and patriotism that our veterans have embodied in the past. We should take this opportunity to re-evaluate how we are treating our veterans in the present.
You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong no matter who does it or who says it.
A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.
Patriotism. Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.
You'll never have a quiet world till you knock the patriotism out of the human race.
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.
Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them!
Next to the love of God, the love of country is the best preventive of crime.
Patriotism must be founded on great principals and supported by great virtue.
Nationalism is a silly cock crowing on his own dunghill.
Patriotism has served, at different times, as widely different ends as a razor, which ought to be used in keeping your face clean and yet may be used to cut your own throat or that of an innocent person.
The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!
I distinguish, between nationalism and patriotism.
The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?
We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behavior.
The proper means of increasing the love we bear our native country is to reside some time in a foreign one.