The National Being · Chapter
XVIII explained
The narrator argues against race hatred and national antagonisms, asserting that hatred transforms a people into the likeness of what they hate.
What happens
The narrator argues against race hatred and national antagonisms, asserting that hatred transforms a people into the likeness of what they hate. He contends that Ireland must maintain its identity through moral and economic forces rather than physical power, and that true peace comes from individual cultivation of higher qualities. The chapter concludes with a call for Irish idealists to work for a cooperative, peaceful future.
Themes in this chapter
The National Being and Identity
The narrator emphasizes Ireland maintaining its own will and center, rejecting hatred as a force in national life.
Spiritual vs. Material Forces in Civilization
Argues that moral and spiritual forces are more powerful than physical ones, citing Christ and Buddha as examples.
Cooperative Economics and Rural Community
Promotes the cooperative ideal of brotherhood in industry as a path to international peace and national harmony.
Critique of Individualism and Materialism
Criticizes the pride and lust of power that lead to war, advocating for spiritual and moral development over material force.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
Delivers a philosophical discourse on hatred, national identity, and the necessity of moral and spiritual forces over material ones.
- Christ
Cited as an example of a single individual who changed the spiritual life of Europe through moral force.
- Kathleen ni Houlihan
Referenced indirectly through the vision of light seen by Bridget and the destiny of Ireland.
- Patrick Maloney
Mentioned in the context of Bridget's vision and the Isle of Destiny.
Key passages
“Race hatred is the cheapest and basest of all national passions, and it is the nature of hatred, as it is the nature of love, to change us into the likeness of that which we contemplate.”
Hating another race is a low and cheap emotion, and just as love makes us resemble what we love, hatred makes us become like what we hate.
The narrator introduces the central idea that hatred transforms the hater.
“It is because I wish Ireland to be itself, to act from its own will and its own centre, that I deprecate hatred as a force in national life.”
I oppose using hatred in national affairs because I want Ireland to be true to itself and act independently.
The narrator clarifies his motivation for rejecting hatred.
“Moral forces are really more powerful than physical forces. One Christ changed the spiritual life of Europe; one Buddha affected more myriads in Asia.”
Spiritual and moral power surpasses physical power, as shown by the lasting influence of Christ and Buddha.
The narrator argues for the primacy of moral over material force.
“The great tragedy of Europe was brought about, not by the German Emperor, nor by Sir Edward Grey, nor by the Czar, nor by any of the other chiefs ostensibly controlling foreign policy, but by the nations themselves.”
The major European war was caused not by leaders but by the collective will of the nations.
The narrator shifts responsibility for war from rulers to the populace.
“I would cry to our idealists to come out of this present-day Irish Babylon, so filled with sectarian, political, and race hatreds, and to work for the future.”
I urge idealists to leave the corrupt and hate-filled society of modern Ireland and build a better future.
The narrator calls for a withdrawal from divisive conflicts to pursue a higher vision.
