Calling ourselves the greatest country risks losing what is most precious

July 4, 2021 — On this day, I reflect on our great country.

Not, as some will say, “the greatest country” — I think of this as a “great country.” Because when we start calling it “the greatest,” we risk losing what’s most dear.

What’s more true is that we are one of many great countries, with a mix of strengths and weakness, blessings and curses. Thinking that way helps us think of other nations as partners, working together toward a common good.

I wince at the idea of “American Exceptionalism.” Even if it were true, it takes us down the road to bad decisions. Its arrogance causes division, even wars. George Bernard Shaw said, “Patriotism is the belief your country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.”

Blessed. That’s probably the right word. Of all the places and times I might have been born, I landed here, and feel very lucky.

“The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?” — Pablo Casals