Complete the text with the words from the box. Then press "Check" to mark your answers.
who war motto nations nationalism to anxious a not cover just one do narrow or
Patriotism, which means the love of the fatherland literally, is a noble sentiment and a national virtue, and the man lacks it has indeed, as Sir Walter Scott says, "a dead soul." But the word has been so misused to the most selfish aims and narrow passions that Dr Samuel Johnson said in disgust, "Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrel." We must, therefore, distinguish between true patriotism and the spurious article.
False patriotism is enlarged selfishness and a narrowed . Patriots of this kind support their country simply because it is in their private interests to do so, and they so blindly. Their motto is, "My country, right or wrong"; that is, whatever foreign policy our nation adopts, whether or unjust, we must support it, without criticism, simply because it is the policy of our country. Such spurious patriots are nationalists and teach that we cannot love our country without despising and hating all other nations. They form the Jingo, war-loving, party in any country, always crying out for war with other nations on the slightest pretext. Their is, "Might is right".
On the other hand, the true patriot is an unselfish lover of his country. His sincere desire is serve it in all ways possible. He is proud of his country, but just because he loves it, he does hesitate to expose its sins, denounce its abuses, and criticise its policy if he thinks it necessary. He is more that his nation should be right than that it should be powerful. While he loves his country, he loves other and gladly recognises their virtues and achievements. He would therefore cultivate international friendship and hates and opposes wars. But if breaks out, he is the first to fight for his land and willingly sacrifices his life even in its defence. Such patriotism is of the noblest virtues.