The ten principles listed below are from the book The True Patriot. Do they remind you of someone? We are always eager to hear about Americans who demonstrate some or all of these principles in their daily lives. If someone in your life (or in public life) exemplifies true patriotism, please tell us about this person! Send a message (between 250 and 750 words) to engage [at] truepat.org with your complete name, address, and phone number. Each month we'll pick a different true patriot to feature here on our web site.
If there is a true patriot who inspires you, share his or her story to inspire us all!
The Ten Principles of True Patriotism
American Exceptionalism
America is exceptional in its provenance, founded on the universal ideals of freedom and equal opportunity. We are exceptional in our promise, striving to live up to those ideals. For all our failings, America has been the object of more hopes and dreams of more people from more places than any country in human history. And we must be worthy of such hopes.
Responsibility for the Common Good
The hallmark of a healthy society is that those who can carry the heaviest loads, do—and are proud to do it. True patriots ensure themselves not by personal wealth or power but by the degree to which they contribute to the common good.
Equality of Opportunity
The existence of opportunity makes America strong and free but that opportunity has to be available to all, and not concentrated in the hands of a few, in order for it to be truly meaningful. We must ensure a fair shot for all Americans.
Patriotic Capitalism
Capitalism, and the freedom that makes it possible, is essential to American life. It is not an end in itself but rather a tool for the nation—and it is proper for that nation to make rules that ensure that the tool is wielded fairly.
Mutual Obligation
The Golden Rule is the moral core of true patriotism. A society cannot remain strong or democratic when those who think that they no longer require help can simply opt out of any obligation to help others. We must share risks and treat others' misfortune as something that affects us.
Service to Country
All Americans, regardless of differences in wealth, status, or talent, are equally obligated to serve our nation. The moral value of shared sacrifice is what animates the very idea of citizenship.
Stewardship
Americans must be good stewards of our national treasure in all its forms: our extraordinary natural resources, our infrastructure, our nation's bank account, and our people. To indulge in immediate gratification and exploitation is an insult to previous generations, who sacrificed for us, and thievery from the next generation, who depend on us for virtue.
Common Sense Virtue
In a free society adults should be able to do what they please. And it is the obligation of our community to promote virtue for our children. This is about common-sense parenting, not politics.
Tolerance and Common Cause
In this diverse society held together not by blood, but by an idea, we must be tolerant of each other and our differences. In fact, we need to move beyond mere tolerance to joint action. We must work side by side, step into each other's shoes, develop a capacity for empathy, and create a deeper basis for common national identity.
Pragmatism
Pragmatism, a relentless focus on what works, is itself a moral principle that is part of the true American way. Ideological orthodoxy, political extremism, and partisan point-scoring create problems rather than solutions.