In your opinion, does patriotism require the belief that one’s country is the greatest on earth?

True patriotism doesn’t require one to look down on other countries. I believe patriotism only demands a heartfelt love for one’s country and a commitment to making it better for all of its citizens.

Why is patriotism considered by some to be the highest of virtues? What is so important about love of country? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about humankind, or the planet as a whole, rather than a single country?

I don’t know about highest. I think patriotism is an important virtue – if we don’t love our country we don’t have an incentive to make it better, and without constant attention it’s easy for countries to fall apart. But yes, I do believe the world would be a better place if people were more concerned about humankind as a whole. If Covid-19 has taught us anything it’s that we are all interconnected.

What is the relationship between decisions and consequences?

I’d say there’s a direct correlation between decisions and consequences. Decide to leave the house on an overcast day without your umbrella: if it rains then you’ll get wet and possibly ruin your new shoes. Choose to go running without stretching out first: you’ll be sore for days and go through your weight in Advil. Decide to put off doing your taxes until the last minute: if you’re missing receipts or forget a form or the postal workers strike then your return is late and you’re penalized.

What is social justice?

Social justice works toward a world with fairness in employment opportunities, wealth/income, police/legal interactions, and privileges.

What’s one body part you wouldn’t mind losing? (told you. Silly).

Well, a lot of this stuff seems to serve a purpose so I guess I’ll go with belly buttons. The only thing it seems to do is collect lint and it’s not like I’m doing anything useful with that.

What is something that made you smile during the past week?

We saw some beautiful birds at the lake, particularly blue herons. I also heard an owl hooting off in the woods.

Sparks from a Combustible Mind hosts Share Your World.