In 1789, Richard Price argued that for the true patriot, it does not have to be axiomatic that England is far better than everywhere else. If patriotism was allowed only to those who lived in countries with really good governments, it would be a rare quality indeed. Unfortunately, most people overestimate everything connected with themselves, including their country.

Price stressed that patriotism is a noble virtue. Just as we put our family first even if it is not the wisest or best of families, so too our first loyalty is to England even if we recognise the good in other countries. But patriotism has too often taken the form of conquering or bullying other contries.

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