In his essay "The Citizen of the World," Oliver Goldsmith explores the effects of national prejudices through the persona of The Citizen of the World, a character who, though from China, observes the peculiarities of European societies with a mix of bewilderment, humor, and criticism. Goldsmith uses this figure to reveal the detrimental consequences of national prejudices, arguing that such biases lead to ignorance, misunderstanding, and the perpetuation of divisive and harmful ideologies. Through the character's reflections, Goldsmith critiques the way in which national prejudices hinder human progress, promote conflict, and create social divisions that obstruct the development of a more enlightened and unified global society.
National Prejudices as Sources of Ignorance
One of the primary evils of national prejudices, according to Goldsmith, is their ability to breed ignorance. When people view others through the lens of national bias, they create narrow, rigid categories of "us" versus "them," based not on rational or individual judgment, but on arbitrary distinctions tied to nationality, ethnicity, or culture. These prejudices often prevent individuals from seeing others as complex, multifaceted human beings and reduce entire nations to simplistic stereotypes. For instance, in The Citizen of the World, the protagonist's foreign perspective highlights the superficial judgments and misconceptions that arise from national biases, underscoring how such prejudices limit true understanding and meaningful interaction between different peoples.
Goldsmith argues that national prejudices lead people to misunderstand or misinterpret the customs, values, and behaviors of other nations. He illustrates how individuals may dismiss or even demonize other cultures simply because they differ from their own. This ignorance is not just intellectual but cultural and emotional—it fosters intolerance and distrust. Goldsmith uses the character of the Citizen to point out how national prejudices prevent societies from recognizing their shared humanity and collective potential. By reducing entire groups of people to stereotypes, such as viewing the French as frivolous or the English as pompous, individuals miss the opportunity to appreciate the richness of human diversity.
The Division of Mankind into "Us" and "Them"
National prejudices also perpetuate an artificial sense of division, which is another major evil that Goldsmith highlights. Prejudices create clear-cut distinctions between “us” and “them,” drawing lines between nations that prevent cooperation and unity. This "us-versus-them" mentality often leads to an inflated sense of national superiority and an accompanying sense of national inferiority in others. Goldsmith critiques this mentality as a form of exclusion, where groups of people are defined not by their individual worth but by the nationality they happen to belong to.
The dangers of this division are particularly evident in Goldsmith's critique of war and international conflict. National prejudices often fuel animosities between nations, making it easier for governments to justify aggressive policies, military conflict, and even colonial oppression. For instance, the prejudice against the French during the period of English dominance often turned into hostility and conflict, despite the many cultural and historical exchanges between the two nations. By painting an entire people with the same broad brush, national prejudice fuels xenophobia, war, and violence, perpetuating cycles of distrust and hostility.
Goldsmith is particularly critical of the idea of national superiority. He argues that nations that feel superior to others—whether through cultural, religious, or political means—are trapped in a delusional view of themselves that ultimately harms the global community. This kind of bias impedes the exchange of ideas, hinders international collaboration, and keeps societies from benefiting from the innovations, creativity, and perspectives of other nations.
A Barrier to Human Progress
Another evil effect of national prejudices, according to Goldsmith, is that they hinder human progress. Goldsmith advocates for a world in which human beings, regardless of nationality, can learn from one another and work together toward common goals. Prejudices prevent such collaboration by positioning nations as isolated, antagonistic entities rather than members of a larger human family. Goldsmith’s Citizen, through his impartial observations of various European societies, highlights the stagnation that results from national prejudice. Rather than fostering cooperation and the free exchange of knowledge, national bias leads to competition, hostility, and an unwillingness to embrace ideas from other cultures.
The philosophical implications of this argument are significant. Goldsmith suggests that if people can overcome their national prejudices, they will be able to transcend the barriers that separate them and create a more harmonious world. He imagines a future in which people can move beyond their narrow attachments to national identities and embrace the idea of being citizens of the world. This universal perspective allows individuals to appreciate the value of all cultures, while also recognizing the shared struggles, hopes, and aspirations of humanity. Goldsmith’s optimism about the potential for human cooperation is grounded in his belief that prejudice, rooted in ignorance and division, is a key obstacle to global progress.
The Role of Education in Overcoming Prejudice
Goldsmith also emphasizes the role of education in overcoming national prejudices. He believes that through proper education, individuals can learn to look beyond surface-level differences and appreciate the values and wisdom of other cultures. The Citizen, in his observations, is not merely critical of other societies but shows genuine curiosity about the practices, beliefs, and social systems of Europe. He recognizes that no nation holds a monopoly on virtue or wisdom, and he urges readers to adopt a similar open-mindedness. This process of learning and understanding is what can ultimately break down national prejudices and foster a sense of global solidarity.
Goldsmith’s critique of national prejudice calls for a shift in societal values. By encouraging citizens to embrace global perspectives and to value individuals for their personal qualities rather than their national origins, Goldsmith lays the groundwork for a more enlightened and cooperative world. This view resonates with modern calls for multiculturalism and international understanding, where national prejudices are seen as detrimental to global peace, justice, and collaboration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Goldsmith’s exploration of national prejudices in "The Citizen of the World" exposes the deep harms that such biases cause, both on an individual and a societal level. Prejudices limit intellectual growth, perpetuate unnecessary divisions between people, and obstruct progress by fostering ignorance and conflict. By mocking the narrow-mindedness and absurdity of national biases, Goldsmith advocates for a more open, cooperative, and globally aware society. His call for transcending national prejudices remains relevant today, as it highlights the importance of empathy, education, and international dialogue in overcoming the barriers that separate humanity.
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