Letters for the Advancement of Humanity (1793–7) [excerpt on patriotism]

Summary

To wish oneself back into the times of Greece and Rome would be foolish; this youth of the world, like the iron age of the times under Rome's rule too, is past; even if an exchange were possible, we would hardly win in the exchange in what we actually desire. Sparta's zeal for fatherland oppressed not only the Helots but the citizens themselves and with time other Greeks. Athens was often a burden to its citizens and colonies; it wanted to be deceived with sweet phantoms. Finally, Roman love of fatherland proved destructive not only for Italy but for Rome itself and the whole Roman world. Hence we want to seek out what we must respect and love in our fatherland in order to love it worthily and purely.

1. Is it that gods formerly came down from heaven and assigned this land to our fathers? Is it that they have given us a religion and have themselves organized our constitution? Did Minerva receive this city through a contest? Did Egeria inspire our Numa with dreams? – Vain glory – for we are not our fathers. If on Minerva's holy ground we are unworthy of the great goddess, if Numa's dreams no longer accord with our times, then let Egeria rise again from her spring, then let Minerva lower herself from heaven for new inspirations.