question_answer

  Summarise the attributes of a nation, as Ernest Renan understands them. Why in his view, are nations important?

Answer:

                  Ernest Renan was a French philosopher, who outlined the attributes of a nation are as follows (i) A nation is not formed by a common language, race, religion or territory. (ii) To form a nation, social capital, common glories and deeds of the past and common will are necessary. A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavors, sacrifice and devotion. (iii) Nation is a large scale solidarity, its existence is a daily plebiscite and its inhabitants have the right to be consulted. (iv) The existence of a nation is not only a good thing, but also a necessity. (v) A nation has never any real interest in annexing or holding on to a country against its will. Nations are important because existence of the nation is a guarantee of liberty. Liberty would be lost if the world had only one law and only one master.