When I think of patriotism, I think of more than flags and anthems—I think of deeper loyalty, courage, and a shared sense of responsibility. But what does it really mean to be a patriot? This question isn’t new; it’s something philosophers have wrestled with for centuries. Exploring their ideas has changed the way I look at everything from street art to tattoos and even commercial advertising. So, let’s take a quick dive into the minds of some great thinkers and how their views on patriotism live on in unexpected places.
Plato and the Ideal Citizen: Patriotism as Justice
Plato, in his Republic, imagined a society where patriotism was closely tied to justice and the well-being of the state. Citizens should love their country not blindly, but as guardians of its moral compass. For Plato, being a patriot meant committing to the truth and ensuring the state lived up to its ideals. The photo to the right is a collectible copy of "The Republic of Plato" that I purchased for my book collection.
You can see this idea reflected in fine art like Jacques-Louis David’s The Death of Socrates (1787). Socrates’ willingness to die for his principles—even when it meant clashing with the state—echoes Plato’s view of patriotism as devotion to justice, not blind loyalty.
John Stuart Mill and Individual Liberty
Fast-forward to the 19th century, and we meet John Stuart Mill. In On Liberty (1859), Mill emphasized that true patriots protect the individual's right to speak, dissent, and push for change. Patriotism, for Mill, is keeping a country honest and accountable through open dialogue.
It’s not uncommon to see this view literally worn on the skin. Tattoos featuring the phrase “Liberty or Death” or images like the Gadsden flag (“Don’t Tread on Me”) reflect Mill’s philosophy. The henna tattoo to the right was designed by a customer, which I applied. It was supposed to represent equal justice and treatment for her children. These symbols are more than ink—they’re permanent expressions of the belief that love of country means defending personal freedom.
Simone de Beauvoir and Ethical Responsibility
Simone de Beauvoir’s The Ethics of Ambiguity (1947) offers a more existential take. She argued that patriotism isn’t about obedience—it’s about ethical responsibility and solidarity with others. A patriot, in her view, must stand up against oppression within their own country.
Interestingly, this philosophy has found its way into modern advertising campaigns. Take Nike’s controversial “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” ad featuring Colin Kaepernick. It channels de Beauvoir’s belief that patriotic action often means standing against injustice—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Patriotism Beyond the Surface
So what do Plato, Mill, and de Beauvoir have in common? They remind us that patriotism is layered. It’s not about nationalism or mindless allegiance. It’s about holding your country to a higher standard—whether through justice, liberty, or ethical action.
Fine art, tattoos, and even ad campaigns continue to reflect the enduring ideas found in philosophy books. They serve as modern-day reminders that patriotism is more than what you say—it’s what you stand for, and sometimes, what you stand against. For me, that means being engaged, critical, and always striving to make my country better, not just louder.
---
Citations:
Plato. The Republic, trans. Allan Bloom, Basic Books, 1991.
Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty, Penguin Classics, 2006.
Beauvoir, Simone de. The Ethics of Ambiguity, Citadel Press, 1976.
David, Jacques-Louis. The Death of Socrates, 1787.
Nike. "Dream Crazy" campaign, 2018.