The National Being · Chapter
XV explained
The chapter argues that national policy must align with national character, and that to understand Irish character one must look past centuries of struggle to ancient origins.
What happens
The chapter argues that national policy must align with national character, and that to understand Irish character one must look past centuries of struggle to ancient origins. It posits that the Irish character is fundamentally aristocratic in leadership and democratic in economics, as seen in the ancient clan system. The author criticizes the adoption of English individualism and calls for a return to cooperative economics led by an aristocracy of character and intellect, warning that suppression of independent thought is inimical to the national being.
Themes in this chapter
The National Being and Identity
The chapter explores the essence of Irish national character, tracing it to ancient clan structures and arguing for its reassertion in modern times.
Aristocracy of Character and Intellect
The author emphasizes the need for leadership by an aristocracy of character and intellect, as opposed to the meanly democratic leadership that has prevailed.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator reflects on Irish national character, history, and the need for a cooperative economic system.
- Sir Horace Plunkett
Mentioned as one of the powerful personalities who expressed the ancient Irish character.
Key passages
“No policy can succeed if it be not in accord with national character.”
Any policy will fail if it does not align with the fundamental nature of the people.
Opening statement establishing the central thesis of the chapter.
“The clan was at once aristocratic and democratic. It was aristocratic in leadership and democratic in its economic basis.”
The ancient clan system combined aristocratic leadership with democratic economic ownership.
Key description of the dual nature of ancient Irish social order.
“We became meanly individualistic in our economics and meanly democratic in leadership.”
We adopted a selfish individualism in economic matters and a mediocre democracy in choosing leaders.
Critique of the negative influence of English individualism on Irish society.