Cosmopolitanism
Topic: Nationalism and National Self-determination · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Cosmopolitanism is the idea that all humans form one moral community and deserve equal concern. Nationality does not change this. So we have duties to people beyond our own country's borders. The idea goes back to Diogenes, who called himself a "citizen of the world", and to Kant's Perpetual Peace (1795). It matters because it limits nationalism. Love of one's country should not override humanity.
Example
Tagore said, "Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity." He opposed British rule but still wanted Indians to learn freely from other cultures. India also chose "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) as the theme of its G20 presidency in 2023.
Don't confuse with
- Rooted cosmopolitanism: this keeps a person's love for their own homeland and culture, and adds concern for all humanity. Pure cosmopolitanism puts the world community first.
- Patriotism: Orwell (1945) described this as love of a place. Cosmopolitanism is concern for all humans, wherever they live.