In Poland, the notion of patriotism can be acquired by nationalism – and in its utmost form – by chauvinism. This dangerous phenomenon leads to the distortion of the essence of patriotism, which by nature is simply a positive, upbuilding and connecting attitude.
Patriotism is simply a love for the homeland, identifying with the nation, respecting the ancestors, cultivating traditions and worshiping national heroes. During peacetime, it is expressed primarily by its commitment to building a common good – just common, not just “our” in opposition to “the others”.
What fundamentally distinguishes patriotism from nationalism is respect for another nations. Patriotism is based on the belief that the nation is simply a cultural and civic community, not ethnic-racial one. It does not exclude anyone due to origin, language or belief. In this spirit, the sentence, "I am a greater patriot than you," becomes contrary to the thought of patriotism – which by definition does not service competition or exclusion, but combines and binds.
Similarly, the Polish Episcopal Conference spoke, clearly separating patriotism from bad nationalism:
As Henryk Sienkiewicz wrote: “The motto of all patriots should be: through the homeland to humanity”
The nationalistic sense of national supremacy, racism, ethnocentrism and national megalomania in past frequently led to disastrous effects – the most tragic of them was planet War II.
Such attitudes are besides susceptible to the improvement of autocracy, totalitarianism and oppressive systems. History shows that both communism and fascism utilized nationalism as a tool for gaining and maintaining power, preying on fears, prejudices and national pride.
Already in the 18th century, Adam Kazimierz Czartoryski in Knight Catechism warned against false patriotism:
"What false patriot? In which superficiality is trying for more assured people to deceive; under this appealing appearance hides ambition, self-love, self-interest...”
False patriotism becomes a mask of hypocrisy and a tool of manipulation.
Nationalism – a form of collective egoism – in fact contradicts actual patriotism. The second assumes not only the love for the homeland, but besides the work for the community, respect for others and the ability to co-exist within a larger full – humanity.
