A Reasoned Patriotism: Critical Thinking and Civic Duty in an Age of Polarization

by Dawn Duran

In today’s media-driven world of fast-paced information saturation, people are losing their ability to think critically about the issues of the day. In addition, confusion abounds in our culture regarding patriotism and love of country. While some possess a fashionable disdain for their nation, others believe that America can do no wrong. Neither position is a balanced one. Is there a better way? These ideas are explored in A Reasoned Critical Thinking and Civic Duty in an Age of Polarization .

Genres: History

226 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2023

Reviews

[Lmichelleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent reminder of how important it is to pass on to the next generation a thoughtful allegiance to our country. I particularly benefitted from the review of the difference between nationalism and patriotism. This is definitely going to be added to family read-aloud time for discussion with my teens this year, especially with an election coming up. And I'll be honest, MY heart needed this attitude check.

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an a delight to read. Duran takes several steps back from our current conversation around nationalism and explores the foundations of our country through primary sources. She helps her readers think about what a country needs from its citizens and what it means to actively participate as citizens of this great country.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I can hear Dawn talk clearly in her voice "reading" the book to me and for me it made it that much more enjoyable. Temperance in all things, was the overall message about being Patriotic for the land we live in and how it can be, if not already, the land we love. Her philosophy for doing this is based on Charlotte Mason's way of teaching: tell of the wonderful stories and the heroes and tales of the country when young and as the child grows, at age appropriate times, tell of the faults of the country and how to look at all sides of the difficult aspects of history and discuss them.

She has so many helpful examples, suggestions and tips that this should be handy for the family through out the year to practice good citizenship and for the homeschool family that wants to incorporate aspects in their school year. I think this is a helpful tool to any household, not just the homeschooling one. This is well written, and an important book for our time and our country.

Also, as a fellow history buff, I love how her love of history shines through the book!

“My goal is for this book to help parents instill a healthy love of country in their children by emphasizing the ideals that our nation represents. I hope you will be inspired to teach your children about the heroes that have helped build our great nation, and that this in turn fosters gratitude in our students for the many blessing we have as American citizens. Naturally, we will want to discuss the mistakes in our nation’s past, as well, but this is a “both/and” rather than an “either/or” scenario, as is far too often the approach taken today.”

[Stacy Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A well balanced approach to the sad state of our nation and critical thinking about our brilliant but flawed history. And will go on my permanent shelf for all the excellent resources.

[V.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book and resource.