Joseph Mazzini

Joseph Mazzini, a great Italian politician, who by today’s standards would be mistakenly considered a political contradiction, no doubt. Mazzini had great love for his country, and his countrymen. He believed that national existence was vital to people’s self existence. He had based much of his essay on nationalism, and why one should love their country. “In labouring for our own country on the right principle, we labour for Humanity. Our country is the fulcrum of the lever we have to wield for the common good. If we abandon the fulcrum, we run the risk of rendering ourselves useless not only to Humanity but to our country itself.” This is where Mazzini’s liberal/socialist thoughts come to be seen. He believes that through growth and development of ones country, we all can help others of other countries that are oppressed or have their liberties restricted. He argues the safety and advancement of ones country is paramount, but says it is for nothing if it is not put to good use in serving humanity. Mazzini cared about humanity and thought that those at the top should reach out and help provide for those on the bottom. He also argues that by helping others, you are indeed helping yourself in return, which is quite clearly seen in his closing sentence, “And so long as you are ready to die for Humanity, the life of your country will be immortal.”