Love for the country – a very heartfelt and emotional sentiment, right?

But… could it be that it’s also leading us in another direction?

What Best Describes Patriotism?

Patriotism is a virtue that everyone believes should exist in a passionate, living soul who has a deep connection with their homeland. And there’s no doubt that patriotism is a noble emotion.

But if we think a little deeper, let’s go back in time —Imagine a time when the concept of countries didn’t even exist. When there were no countries. When the world was ruled by Roman and Persian empires. So,

What did people base their lives on back then?

Was there patriotism back then?

No. It’s obvious — if there were no countries, there was no concept of loyalty to a country.

In ancient times, people lived in small family groups known as tribes.
Back then, loyalty to one’s tribe was considered patriotic.
Later, as kingdoms and empires emerged, people began showing allegiance to their rulers, kings, or emperors who ruled them.

The real meaning of nationalism started forming as countries took shape with defined borders.

A major turning point was the French Revolution, when people’s thinking shifted:

Why should we worship kings and emperors?
We are loyal to the land — not the monarch.

That’s when people started saying things like:

We are French. We are not just loyal to a king, but to the whole nation of France.

That’s when national flags were made, national anthems were sung —That’s how modern patriotism began.

Why is Patriotism Important?

Love for your homeland is a powerful and active emotion.
It’s natural for a human to love the land where they were born and raised.

It’s part of our psychology. We grow attached to the environment we live in, the culture we experience daily.

It gives people a sense of identity, purpose, and unity.

What is True Patriotism?

True patriotism is not blind worship.

It is love that thinks, questions, and grows.

A true patriot works toward building a better society — one that acknowledges flaws, promotes fairness, and uplifts all people.

They do not see patriotism as a license to hate others.

They do not support oppression in the name of national pride.

They are brave enough to say,

I love my country, but I don’t support everything it does.

What is the Meaning of False Patriotism?

Let’s not confuse patriotism with national arrogance.

When love turns into ego and division, it’s no longer a virtue.

False patriotism is when people blindly defend their nation — even when it’s wrong.
It is fueled by superiority, pride, and denial.

When someone says things like:

• We are the best.
• We are always right.
• We do no wrong.

…they are no longer being patriots.

They are inside a bubble of illusion, no longer thinking critically.

Is Patriotism Good or Bad?

That depends on what kind of patriotism we’re talking about.

Patriotism is good when it inspires people to serve their country honestly, respect other nations, and bring positive change.

But is patriotism bad when it becomes a weapon of hate?

Yes. It’s bad when it leads to racism, violence, and blind loyalty to corrupt systems.

There’s a great saying:

I think, therefore I am.

A person’s soul and existence only stay alive as long as they think, reflect, and keep searching for the “why.”

Otherwise, they’re just a walking corpse.

If you only love yourself and everything related to you ,What’s the point of life, then?
Even animals live for themselves. So, what makes a human who’s been given a great mind any different?

So, is patriotism a virtue if it only supports selfish pride?

People often feel proud proving their worth:

You know, I’m from there. That’s why I’m great.

We are the kind of people who achieved this in the past. That’s why we are special.

People want to feel special.
They want to believe: I’m special. I’m Mr. Perfect.

But let me tell you how ordinary humans are:

• You can be replaced in seconds.

Can you name even one person in history who was so special and smart that no one could ever replace them?

Great nations have already risen and fallen in this world. We are nothing compared to them.

Even the Qur’an (the holy book of Muslims) says that:

Like those before you: they were stronger than you, and had more wealth and children. They enjoyed their share (of worldly pleasures), so you have enjoyed your share just like they did.

Mind it: To the world, you are not irreplaceable.

• Everyone is a prisoner of their own life

Held back by their own fears, guilt, doubts, loneliness — all invisible chains.

Every person carries guilt over things they cannot control:

• Deaths
• Family conflicts
• Societal pressure
• Judgments
• Competitions
• Unfair behaviors, and more.

Every person goes through hard times whether they like it or not.

There are so many things that make us ordinary , that make us the same and you know what?

That’s beautiful.

These common human traits are extraordinary, if only one truly see them.

And this is the kind of mindset we need to make the world a better place.

That’s when you become a good human to everyone. Whether you’re in Africa, Asia, Europe, Pakistan, India, or Sri Lanka —You’ll help people no matter where they’re from.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Universal Humanity: Help Without Borders

Patriotism is not wrong , it’s essential.

But when it becomes a tool for hating other nations,
When you start blindly following governments thinking it’s patriotism,
When it starts encouraging war and violence,
When it makes you think it’s okay to violate others’ rights

That’s when patriotism becomes dangerous.

Not just dangerous — it becomes toxic.

In fact, that’s not even true patriotism anymore.

A true patriot is someone who loves their country with heart and soul, and is ready to sacrifice for it.

But they also accept their nation’s flaws, and respect all cultures.

Only then do societies produce people like Nelson Mandela, Abdul Sattar Edhi, and Martin Luther King Jr.

You don’t have to be born in a land to love its people.

True patriotism doesn’t mean hating other nations. It means caring enough for your own country that you want it to be just, fair, and kind.

We need more people who love their country, but also love truth, justice, and humanity.

Because real patriotism isn’t loud.
It’s thoughtful.
It’s courageous.
And it starts in the heart, not just in the flag.