The quality of the sentiment impresses one. Patriotism is not merely consciousness of nationality. It is more active and explosive than that. It is not even such an emotion as that of thankfulness for the country. Thankfulness or joy, is the feeling of returning soldiers as they land back upon American shores. Is that feeling of satisfaction with the homeland at getting back, patriotism? A kind of love of country it may be said to be. But ask the man in the street if it is patriotism, and he will hesitate. He will, however, be quite sure that it is not anything like as patriotic as the acts of the same soldiers in going across to Europe, or in breaking up socialistic parades after they get back. The mere joy at being once more in the bosom of one’s country doesn’t seem to be patriotism _par excellence_. There appears to be a great difference between liking one’s country and loving it. The immigrant may like his new home, like it better than any other, and still not be patriotic. What is it that must be added to turn the liking of country into patriotism? Patriots demand homage to the country. Faith must be shown by works. Patriotism is a passion inspiring active allegiance. It is devotion that means service, if necessary “the service.” The patriot is solicitous for his native land. He not only pronounces his country good; he also wants some good for it. He is, moreover, determined upon that good. That it be secured and maintained is part of his ruling purpose. In sum, his _will_ is set upon it. Patriotism has it as an essential characteristic that it includes a _will_ towards one’s country. What is it that the patriot wills? Briefly, he is vitally interested in the _selfhood_ of his country. The thought of _self_ as to the country is always present. Patriotism is the will that the country do some such thing as be, remain, express, or develop itself. The thorough-going patriot in so far as he is such, is interested in the country, the whole country, and nothing but the country.[144] It becomes the _this_ of his consciousness and affection. He has just one object in the focus of his interests, and that object is _this country_. The patriot says, “_This_,--_this_ is my own, my native land.” Patriotism shows an intense singleness of affection. The country for the patriot is _the one_.