Fall in Love Again
People often have deep connections to their country, which usually starts as a tie to a specific place—like where they grew up. This connection extends from families and homes to schools, neighborhoods, and communities. These familiar places are what define civil society, echoing Alexis de Tocqueville’s idea of “civil society” and its “habits of mind.”
Love for one’s country grows from these personal affections, encompassing a fondness for its people and way of life.
However, such feelings can become shallow unless they evolve into stronger commitments. This strengthening happens when we expand our connections to include extended family, past generations, and even unknown ancestors. By engaging with those around us, we gain perspective, a sense of belonging in history, and an appreciation for preserving our traditions for future generations.
Tocqueville pointed out the distinction between instinctive patriotism, which is a sense of belonging based on personal ties and habitual loyalty, and reflective patriotism that arises from an understanding of shared freedoms and responsibilities. One reason Tocqueville admired America was its ability to cultivate both types of patriotism: a heartfelt dedication to self-government paired with a rational devotion to natural rights and human freedoms.
He concluded that this combination of personal loyalties and universal ideals is essential for community ties and national unity. Without such patriotism—especially reflective patriotism—democracies may drift toward narrow self-interests, leading to civic disengagement. This, in turn, risks turning active citizens into passive subjects in an impersonal state. Tocqueville famously cautioned that lacking both emotional and intellectual patriotism could lead to a new form of tyranny that stifles the human spirit.
These days, patriotism is often misunderstood as mere blind loyalty, but true patriotism is a passionate love for one’s country. It’s not the “fraud of patriotism” that George Washington warned against; instead, it’s a thoughtful affection that stands against the cultural relativism of our time, which threatens freedom with its disingenuous tendencies. Properly understood, patriotism can combat the “poison of subjectivism,” as C.S. Lewis described.
The Founders recognized this complex nature of patriotism. Their writings—especially on education—reflect that understanding. In a republic founded on equal rights and the consent of the governed, education plays a dual role: shaping individual character for self-governance while providing the principles necessary for civic participation. Students become citizens when they deepen their natural attachments and acquire the civic knowledge needed to sustain free government.
Noah Webster emphasized the importance of educating youth, arguing it’s crucial for any government. He believed that early impressions largely shape an individual’s character, and collectively these shape a nation’s identity. Education starts at home, primarily guided by parents, and extends to family, church, community, and early lessons.
Webster suggested that, akin to European models, America’s education system should focus on fundamental skills like literacy and mathematics, as well as basic sciences, geography, and history. Yet, he insisted that it must also instill “principles of virtue and liberty” in the minds of American youth, fostering a deep attachment to their nation.
American children should know their country well—they need to read meaningful books and practice civic knowledge. They should learn about their nation’s history from an early age, celebrating the heroes and leaders who contributed to freedom and revolution.
Jefferson and Madison echoed this sentiment in their report for the University of Virginia, asserting that education should cultivate moral character while making students aware of their duties to others and the state. In college, education should develop logical thinking, moral values, and reflect the precepts of virtue, ultimately shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.
The cornerstone of this civic education is the Declaration of Independence—an act that defined America’s founding. Jefferson and Madison prioritized it in their educational framework, seeing it as a true reflection of the American spirit. As Lincoln remarked, while the Declaration was a revolutionary document, it captured timeless truths applicable to all people and all eras, serving as a rebuke against tyranny and oppression.
Lincoln noted that public opinion has a “central idea” from which related thoughts develop. For America, this idea emanates from the Declaration.
This narrative of the Declaration is not merely a historical account; it’s a reminder of how people united in 1776 to forge a nation. It captures the spirit and intentions of the time, allowing its arguments and themes to unfold authentically, akin to a grand symphony with different movements working together harmoniously.
Augustine once said that you can’t truly love what you don’t know. The Declaration of Independence fosters a shared love for our country, emphasizing our commitment to a republic grounded in equality and freedom. To genuinely love America, one must understand this Declaration.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, it is crucial not only to acknowledge this milestone but also to revisit the history of those who sacrificed to create this nation. We should rediscover the self-evident truths outlined in the Declaration, which lead us beyond mere material concerns, granting us insight into a meaningful world filled with transcendent truths.
So, let’s fall in love with America again—or perhaps for the first time.
