Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
Patriotism is an old concept, perhaps as old as the earliest human civilization. But all through the history of mankind, it has been narrowly understood. Today people have begun to realize that patriotism is an essential part of human instinct.
Patriotism has its negative side particularly when it exceeds its proper boundaries. People who think their own country to be the best and are blind to its weaknesses are not patriots at all.
We are members of a large human family and so cannot neglect our duties and responsibilities towards it. Our love for the country should be conditioned by respect for the whole community. Narrow prejudice can do nothing except to bring misfortune.
By trying to overlook others’ interest in the modem world, we harm our own. Patriotism should be tempered with reason so that it may not be evil.
1. What is the belief of people today regarding patriotism?
2. Which type of people can be categorized as patriots?
3. When does patriotism become an evil?
4. Who cannot be considered as patriots?
5. How do we harm our own interests?
