When Steven B. Smith told his Yale colleagues about the topic of the book he was working on – Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes– he was met with bewildered and even troubled looks. Perhaps they viewed patriotism (following British critic of the American Revolution Samuel Johnson) as the last refuge of scoundrels. Or perhaps something else is at work that has turned Americans off to the idea of love for one's country. There seems to be a skepticism of our own history and national values, which in the extreme erodes any semblance of patriotism.
Steven B. Smith on Reclaiming Patriotism
Steven B. Smith on Reclaiming Patriotism
Steven B. Smith on Reclaiming Patriotism
When Steven B. Smith told his Yale colleagues about the topic of the book he was working on – Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes– he was met with bewildered and even troubled looks. Perhaps they viewed patriotism (following British critic of the American Revolution Samuel Johnson) as the last refuge of scoundrels. Or perhaps something else is at work that has turned Americans off to the idea of love for one's country. There seems to be a skepticism of our own history and national values, which in the extreme erodes any semblance of patriotism.