Patriotism – is it really a wonderful thing?

Patriotism is loosely described as a love of and a devotion to one’s country.

It seems South African citizens who have been gripped by football fever ahead of what I hope will be remembered as 'the best Soccer World Cup ever' cannot say or ‘display’ patriotism enough.

Like many others, I admit that I love my country dearly. I would go as far as donning a gold and green badge with the words "proudly South African".

Ask me, however, if I would kill for it. Ask me if I would risk my life or die for it. As much as I say I love South Africa, I will without hesitation say no. Killing someone else's family in the name of patriotism? I'd much rather order take aways.

Academics and creatives, it seems, are not so keen on this devotion to one's country. Or is it just my observation?

Here are some interesting quotes on patriotism:

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln.

Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. ~James Bryce.

Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them! ~Albert Einstein.

I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world. ~ Eugene V. Debs.