A false patriotism, an inherited acceptance of servility and obedience, makes the foreigners meek, sheep-like men. This great war, and most every great war of the past, is possible because of a distorted understanding of patriotism. Patriotism began away back yonder when sons and daughters were taught love and loyalty to the pater, the father. The patriarchs of old extended the patriot idea to the tribe and later as tribes banded together and formed nations. The patriotism principle was the basis for the bond that tied men together for a common cause. Now patriotism is bounded by geographical lines and national boundary lines. The patriotism is most sincere, and most solemn, for men willingly sacrifice their lives for it. But, really, this patriotism is one of the narrowest and most cruel forces in the world. It causes wars, waste and desolation. It makes jealousies, braggadocio and keeps up the fight spirit. The false patriotism is an obstacle to broader human progress, brotherly love and the finer things in life. Kings and rulers, fired by selfish egotism, know full well what a powerful force patriotism is and they nurse the babes with fatherland stuff and give them tin soldiers to play with and tin helmets to wear. Patriotism, when it reflects love of the place of one's nativity, when it spells home and love and association, is a natural and a beautiful sentiment. But patriotism, as fomented and fostered by governments for war spurs and goads, is a monster that lives on blood. To keep this false patriotism alive, wars must be made, so that human blood can be secured to save the monster from perishing. Human blood fires and intoxicates this false patriotism behemoth. And so, on slight pretexts Kings are insulted. War lords have put out chips on their shoulders on purpose to be knocked off, and when the chip is brushed off then comes the declaration of war. The banner, patriotism, is flaunted in the air. It is the shibboleth of the red blooded, hot headed, bravest and best of the nation, the youth, who die in countless thousands--for what? Such patriotism is failure and worse than failure. It is hindrance to civilization. These bewildered men have let reason escape, and intoxicated false patriotism poison come in their brains to take the place of reason. In their delirium they try to appear consistent, logical and abused. In their extremity they try to co-ordinate their acts with God's mind. Each nation has its own interpretation of the Divine will. Each asks Divine help for his nation. God looks at the maddened millions of insane murderers and his heart is torn as He sees the avalanche of tears shed by bereaved wives and children. The patriotism that is responsible for starting this war is a mockery, a snare, a delusion, and deserves the profoundest contempt of every man who loves his fellow man. Europe has certainly put riot in patriotism. RIDICULE A Poor Vehicle for Humor