Contradicts altruism and humanism.
Patriotism, by its nature, tends to center on loyalty and love for one’s own country, sometimes at the expense of broader, more universal forms of compassion or altruism toward all of humanity. This focus on national pride and allegiance often creates boundaries between “us” and “them,” leading people to prioritize the well-being of their country over that of others, which contradicts the principle of altruism(acting selflessly for the benefit of all).
Altruism, which involves concern for the well-being of others, often transcends national borders, emphasizing shared humanity. Patriotism, on the other hand, can encourage attachment to one’s nation-state, fosters an “us vs. them” mentality that may not support universal cooperation or empathy.
Patriotism is inherently opposed to altruism, especialy when it becomes excessively nationalistic or exclusionary, it can limit one’s capacity to empathize with or act for the benefit of others outside their nation. This contradiction is evident in discussions about nationalism, where extreme devotion to one’s country may conflict with universal solidarity or humanitarian efforts.
Some philosophers, like Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein, critiqued patriotism for its potential to promote divisiveness rather than Universal unity, which they believed was essential for addressing global challenges like war, inequality, and environmental issues.