Ep 122: Nationalism Is Bad for the Nation

George Orwell's essay 'The Sporting Spirit' critiques the rise of nationalism and the corruption of sportsmanship. Orwell argues that international sporting competitions often devolve into displays of nationalistic fervor and animosity. He criticizes the win-at-all-costs mentality, which he believes undermines the true spirit of sportsmanship. The essay highlights instances of biased refereeing, cheating, and the manipulation of sports for political purposes. Orwell laments the loss of amateurism and the increasing commercialization of sports. He suggests that genuine sportsmanship should prioritize fair play, mutual respect, and the enjoyment of the game itself. 'The Sporting Spirit' serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked nationalism and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in sports.

In 'The Expanding Circle', Peter Singer integrates insights from sociobiology and ethics to argue that human altruism, initially driven by genetic instincts to protect kin and community, has evolved into a consciously chosen ethic with an expanding circle of moral concern. Singer contends that our capacity for reason allows us to extend moral consideration beyond biological and social groups to include all beings capable of feeling pleasure or pain. The book discusses the relationship between reason, ethics, and the biological basis of human behavior, and it includes a new afterword in the 2011 edition that reflects on recent research in the field.

Published in 1917, 'Nationalism' by Rabindranath Tagore is a series of essays that critique the concept of nationalism. The book is divided into four main sections: 'Nationalism in the West', 'Nationalism in Japan', 'Nationalism in India', and concludes with a poem titled 'The Sunset of the Century'. Tagore argues that the Western model of nationalism, based on exclusivity and the pursuit of power and profit, is detrimental to humanity. He criticizes the nationalist movements for promoting divisiveness, hatred, and the mechanization of life, and instead advocates for a universal and moral approach that emphasizes love, compassion, and the inherent goodness of humans. Tagore's work is notable for its early postcolonial perspectives and its call for social and cultural reform, particularly in India, where he prioritized addressing social inequalities over achieving political freedom.

W. E. Lecky's "History of European Morals" is a comprehensive study of moral development in Europe. The book traces the evolution of ethical thought and practice across different eras and societies. Lecky examines the influence of various factors, including religion, philosophy, and social structures, on moral standards. He argues that moral progress is not linear but rather a complex interplay of different forces. The work is notable for its detailed analysis of historical trends and its insightful observations on the relationship between morality and social change. Lecky's insights continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions about ethics and societal values.

In 'Imagined Communities,' Benedict Anderson examines the historical rise and development of nationalism. He argues that nations are not ancient communities but rather modern constructs, imagined by their members as a shared, limited, and sovereign community. Anderson traces the emergence of nationalism to the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries, where creole elites and the spread of print capitalism played crucial roles. He also discusses how nationalism filled the void left by the decline of religious communities and how it was shaped by factors such as mass vernacular literacy, the abolition of divine right monarchies, and the standardization of national calendars, clocks, and languages. The book is influential in social sciences and has been widely cited and translated into more than thirty languages.