The Limits of Nationalism

Nationalism is merely a blind creed, like any other, and worship of the nation-state is a degrading form of idolatry like any other.  All value comes from above.  Our first political principle must be patriotism, but we must acknowledge the claim of something higher, even if it can never be ultimately embodied by our own collective efforts.  Patriotism, yes, but chauvinism, no.  A nation worthy of respect must always be under something greater than itself.