International Anti-Nationalism Day
Because nationalism is a threat to Liberty.
10 January
Lord Acton, an early opponent of nationalism, was born on the 10th of January, 1834.
Acton, the classical libertarian who understood that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” argued against nationalism in Nationality (1862).
Nationalism, which is often associated with racism or ethnocentrism, is still, unfortunately, popular throughout the world. It’s about time we squash this insidious germ.
So in honour of Lord Acton, January 10th is hereby International Anti-Nationalism Day!
“Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By ‘patriotism’ I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.”
– George Orwell, “Notes on Nationalism,” October 1945
