Nationalism

When the entire world is scorching under the resplendence of narrow-minded segregationalism and the rhetorical vociferations in form of "howling verses of vengeance", this book with all its relevance and literary beauty appears to be an eternal source of breeze with a touch of respite to and for the humanity, with its soulful rendition of altruistic refrain. First published in the year 1917, this book is a compendium of lectures on Nationalism by Rabindranath Tagore. Though these lectures were in the backdrop of European political crisis leading to two devastating World Wars, and also in the context of colonialism, it's philosophical propositions transcend the bounds of time and assume relevance even in the contemporary world order. These lectures bear testimony of its timelessness and cannot be wrapped and hidden under the anachronistic limitations of historical reference and perspective. In these lectures the author has classified ideas underlying nationalism, it's causes and consequences into territorial contexts-- the oriental and occidental, and has depicted it as an organisational mechanism borne out of economic and technological excesses of Western world, quickly engulfing the entire world in a smog of greed and commercial rapacious imperialism. It acts as a mechanism to breed competition, hatred and vengeance in the garb of political and commercial aspirations. It compartmentalizes the humanity and like an anaesthetic drug, is making us oblivious to pangs of death of our subtle feelings, creative fervour and grace of gratuity innate and essential to our collective existence, growth and excellence. Tagore's mystic cloirvoyance and artculative excellence pierce into the way this selfish desires emanating from Nationalistic sectarianism percolate into the basic relations of humanity and distort and destroy the very foundations of our social institutions. In the lecture titled, "Nationalism in the West", the poet author writes, "The very psychology of men and women about their mutual relations is changing and becoming the psychology of the primitive fighting elements rather than humanity seeking completeness through the union based on mutual self surrender". In the contemporary world, the organised religion and communalism have become the eternal source of vengeance, political policies and propaganda, retribution, conflict and blood shed, atrocities, intolerance, inflexibility and dogmatic bigotry, and have gone beyond the regional limits and identities. In these hour, the ideas of Rabindranath Tagore propounded in these lectures have become more relevant and significant. The world still needs the thought of the Universal poet.

Every Indian should read this book

This is great book but overwhelming because it's tough to read

Good book

I will persist in believing that there is such a thing as the harmony of completeness in humanity

fair

In "Nationalism," Rabindranath Tagore offers profound insights into the multifaceted nature of patriotism and its implications for society. Tagore's nuanced exploration challenges conventional notions of nationalism, urging readers to critically examine its impact on identity, culture, and humanity. While the language may be dense at times, the depth of Tagore's ideas and the clarity of his vision shine through. This timeless work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and fostering global unity. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of nationalism and its relevance in today's world.

Read it....

Good

Cet ouvrage, vieux d'une centaine d'années, n'a rien perdu de son actualité. Il reste salutaire en notre époque où justement les nationalismes s'affirment au détriment d'une plus large générosité d'esprit.

With all the horror we are going through, this book is a revelation.

The book is divided into 3 chapters of approximately 40 pages each. Tagore explains the true meaning of Nationalism and explains it in the context or Japan, western culture and India. He explains that the kind of political nationalism of the west is farcical and India must not get into its trap. Over all this is a very good book and every one must read it to understand the true nature of Nationalism. It is highly relevant in the current Indian political climate. The writing is lucid with metaphors and poetic prose. Poem lovers will enjoy reading it. Anyone with class 10 knowledge of English can read and understand this book. You will enjoy reading it and will read it again and again. It makes you think.

Prescient beyond belief. Today the 'nationalists' are more empowered than they were in 1917, when this was written. Social Media probably explains why. Notwithstanding anyone's political or Political views, I think this book is so far ahead of its time, as to be worth reading for that fact alone.