Making Patriots

The founding principles of the United Statesfreedom of speech and conscience, individual rights, and democratic dissentoften sit in opposition to the patriotic ideals of public spirit and self-sacrifice. But American history reveals scores of citizens who have put the good of the nation above their own self-interest, whether at home or abroad. It is this paradox that Walter Berns tackles with this magnificently argued book: What makes patriots? And is it still possible to make them?

Walter Berns is the John M. Olin University Professor Emeritus at Georgetown University and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. His books include In Defense of Liberal Democracy, The First Amendment and the Future of American Democracy, and Taking the Constitution Seriously.