Comment by humanrebar | Hacker News Reader

Comment by humanrebar | Hacker News Reader

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I suppose there's some semantic clarification needed here. I don't see why identifying with one's ancestors [1] (patriotism) or nation (nationalism) precludes free trade, multiculturalism, human decency, etc.

On the contrary, if we want people to think long-term, it's important to get them to associate personal motivations (love of their grandchildren, love of their neighborhoods) with the sacrifices needed to keep civilization healthy (taxes, public service, military service, compliance with environmental regulations, etc.).

I guess it's possible you see "patriotism" and "nationalism" as requiring negative isolationism, xenophobia, etc. If that's true, is there a word for "thinking locally, acting globally" that allows for appreciating your homeland, ancestors, neighbors, etc.?

Do you love your country, your homeland, your family, your culture? Then that's very okay. Do you think that your country, your homeland, your family, or your culture are objectively superior to others? Then you're a fanatic/xenophobe.

Are politics becoming outdated, in your opinion, too?

?? I don't follow.

Maybe I was reading too far into your statement. But in general terms, politics (and conflict in general) stems from a struggle over the power to allocate scarce resources towards conflicting conceptions of what is “good” or “deserving”. Often times, statements against privileging your own group to the detriment of others—and I concede you didn’t make that case directly, but I’ve often seen your comparison invoked in such arguments—implicitly assumes that politics, too, should be transcended. There is a sentiment that politics is a vestige of irrationality, and that if everyone was properly educated and could see the greater good, they would necessarily favor that over parochial group interests.

> Do you think that... your culture are objectively superior to others?

Fair enough, but what do we do about the culture of "citizens of the world"? Aren't we trying to create or grow a better culture when we reject nationalism? Is that fanaticism? Why not?

Culture constantly changes, it's unavoidable even when you love your current culture. If you aren't viewing it as the objectively superior culture it isn't fanaticism.

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