Distinction between nationalism and patriotismNationalism should not be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in such a loose way that any definition is likely to be contested, but a distinction must be made between them, since they are two different, even opposing, ideas. By “patriotism” I mean dedication to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but which one does not wish to impose on others. Patriotism is by nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the thirst for power. The constant goal of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to anchor his own individuality. Nationalism, in the broader sense in which I use the word, includes movements and trends such as communism, political Catholicism, Zionism, anti-Semitism, Trotskyism, and pacifism. This does not necessarily mean loyalty to any government or country, much less to one's own country, and it is not even strictly necessary that the units he serves in actually exist. To cite just a few obvious examples, Jewry, Islam, Christianity, the proletariat and the white race are all objects of passionate nationalist feeling: but their existence can be seriously questioned, and it is not There is no definition of any of them that would be universally accepted. The nationalist does not start from the principle of a simple alliance with the strongest camp. On the contrary, having chosen his side, he convinces himself that it is the strongest and is capable of sticking to his convictions even when the facts are mainly against him. Nationalism is a lust for power tempered by self-deception. Every nationalist is capable of the most blatant dishonesty, but he is also - since he is aware of serving something greater than himself - unshakeably certain of being in the right OBSESSION. As far as possible, no nationalist thinks, speaks or writes about anything other than the superiority of his own unit of power. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a nationalist to conceal his allegiance. The slightest insult to his own unit, or any implied praise of a rival organization, fills him with unease, which he can only relieve with a scathing retort. If the chosen unit is a real country, such