Distinction between nationalism and patriotismNationalism should not be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used so vaguely that any definition is susceptible to being contested, but a distinction must be made between them, as two different and even opposing ideas are at play. By "patriotism" I mean devotion to a certain place and a certain way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but which one does not want to impose on others. Patriotism is inherently defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The constant aim 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 individuality. Nationalism, in the broad sense in which I use the word, includes movements and tendencies such as communism, political Catholicism, Zionism, anti-Semitism, Trotskyism and pacifism. It does not necessarily mean loyalty to a government or a country, much less to one's own country, and it is not even strictly necessary that the units it deals with actually exist. To cite a few obvious examples, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, the proletariat, and the white race are all objects of passionate nationalistic sentiment: but their existence can be seriously questioned, and there is no definition of any of them that can be considered as such. universally accepted. The nationalist does not follow the principle of simply allying himself with the stronger party. On the contrary, having chosen his side, he convinces himself that that is the strongest, and is capable of remaining faithful to his belief even when the facts are overwhelming against him. Nationalism is the thirst for power tempered by self-deception. Every nationalist is capable of the most flagrant dishonesty, but is also, because he is aware that he serves something greater than himself, unshakably certain that he is in the right OBSESSION. As far as possible, no nationalist ever thinks, speaks or writes about anything other than the superiority of his own unity of power. It is difficult, if not impossible, for any nationalist to hide their allegiance. The slightest insult directed at his own unit, or any implicit praise towards a rival organization, fills him with unease, which he can only alleviate with a few sharp retorts. If the chosen unit is a real country, such